Today we include Illinois in our A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. For those of you not familiar with our 50 week series, Blogging Babies and the Bayou will take readers into a new state every week and feature local State Parks. My mission is to open the eyes of many readers and give a small glimpse of what your own state may offer. If you haven’t included Illinois into your U.S travel bucket list, then get ready to brag a pen and paper to make it official! Enjoy our Walk in the Park.
You may not be familiar with these gorgeous parks and all they have to offer even if you live there. You may just be looking for someplace new to visit. We invite you to join us in learning about the state parks in each of the 50 states. Now, let’s look at some of the state parks of Illinois.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Rt.37, P.O. Box 10
Goreville, Illinois 62939
Phone: 618-995-2411
Reservations: 618-995-2411
Ferne Clyffe State Park has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for 100 years. It has an abundance of ferns, unique geological features and a variety of plant communities. Trails winding through the woods allow visitors to view fascinating rock formations and beautiful vistas. Ferne Clyffe offers camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing. Ferne Clyffe has a campground for every type of camper: modern, primitive, backpack or even equestrian. You can ride a horse directly to the campground or drive your car there.
If you love to fish, Ferne Clyffe Lake’s populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish will keep you occupied. For hunters, there are good populations of deer, squirrel, quail and rabbit. There are also beautiful trails for hiking and picturesque picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a scenic wonderland.
Argyle Lake State Park
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, Illinois 62326
Phone: 309-776-3422
Reservations: 309-776-3422
Argyle Lake State Park is known as a fisherman’s delight. it is filled with recreational activities for the entire family to enjoy. it has a 93-acre lake for boating and fishing, 5 miles of rugged hiking trails and full-service campgrounds, this heavily wooded, 1,700-acre site is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend, or longer. There is truly something for everyone on your trip to experience and enjoy. This area is a historical region that once was a source of coal, clay and limestone. History buffs will really love this state park.
Argyle Lake State Park has trails for hiking and biking. There is also a beach where you can go swimming in the summer and facilities for sledding and snowmobiling in the winter. It’s a peaceful place where you can simply enjoy all the beauty of nature. The wildflowers are gorgeous and boating or fishing on the lake is the pinnacle of relaxation. If you want to stay longer there are campgrounds with electricity and restrooms with showers for your comfort.
Pyramid State Recreation Area
1562 Pyramid Park Road
Pinckneyville IL 62274
618-357-2574
Pyramid State Recreation Area has some of the most beautiful forested hills, lakes and ponds you have seen. There are many small picnic sites including charcoal grills and picnic tables. You can wander for hours on the 16.5 miles of trails that can be used for hiking, biking or horseback riding. if you want to go camping there are designated areas for trailers and tents. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities on the lake.
Animal lovers will be mesmerized by the communities of wildlife including songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Pyramid State Recreation Area is a gorgeous area with natural scenic views. This is the place to go if you want to get away from the city and enjoy some good outdoor fun.
Kickapoo State Park
10906 Kickapoo Park Rd.
Oakwood IL 61858
217-442-4915
Kickapoo State Park is like a playground filled with running or hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, hunting and scuba diving. There are twenty two deep-water ponds, ranging in size from 0.2 to 57 acres, and a total of 221 acres of water for boaters, canoeists and anglers. If you are into physical fitness there are almost 8 miles of trails for running or hiking. You can go mountain biking. Divers who register and show certification can dive in the clear, deep waters of Inland Sea and Sportsman’s Lake.
There are campgrounds and breathtaking areas to picnic or just sightsee and take lots of pictures. If hunting is your thing you can harvest white-tailed deer (both firearm and archery), squirrel, dove, woodcock, quail, rabbit, raccoon and opossum.
There are special regulations and restrictions for hunting and all hunters must register before hunting in the area. Kickapoo State Recreation Area is within 4 miles of the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, which also offers tons of activities like hunting, fishing, canoeing,and over 30 miles of equestrian and hiking trails.
All photographs belong to http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/ or http://www.stateparks.com/. You can visit their websites for more information on planning your visit and to reserve your stay at a Illinois State Park.
Have you been to any of the State Parks in Illinois? What was your trip like? I would love to hear about your visit. Share this post on social media and let me know your thoughts on each state park.
Additional Walk in the Park State by State Spotlight
Alabama State Parks
Alaska State Parks
Arizona State Parks
Arkansas State Parks
California State Parks
Colorado State Parks
Connecticut State Parks
Delaware State Parks
Florida State Parks
Georgia State Parks
Hawaiian State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Illinois State Parks
Indiana State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Kansas State Parks
Kentucky State Parks
Louisiana State Parks
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