Illinois River Road
Places to Visit
-
Banner Marsh Fish And Wildlife Area (IL)
The vast marshy area of Banner Marsh provides habitat for several different types of songbirds among the cattails.
Location: 19721 N. US 24 Canton, IL 61520
-
Cameron/Billsbach Unit of the Illinois River Complex (IL)
The Cameron-Billsbach Unit is 1,708 acres in size and is bisected by the Illinois River creating two separate areas - Cameron Unit and Billsbach Unit. The unit serves as an inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds.
Location: In Marshall County, between Sparland and Henry, Illinois.
-
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (IL)
Up to 250,000 waterfowl and 10,000 shorebirds seek the food resources and sanctuary found on the 6,200-acre Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. Bald eagles nest on the refuge and as many as 175 eagles can be found on the area in late fall through spring.
Location: Chautauqua Refuge is located 8 miles north of Havana, Illinois, and 30 miles south of Pekin, Illinois, on the Manito Blacktop. Turn onto 1950E. Travel one mile to 2110N to the visitor center or continue on 1950E for another 1.5 miles to the Eagle Bluff Access Area for fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
-
The Dickson Museum and accompanying 70 acres of upland forest and prairie constitute one of the finest on-site archeological museums in the country, interpreting the 12,000-year history of human habitation of the Illinois River Valley.
Location: Located in a rural area of West Central Illinois, near the Illinois River between the towns of Lewistown and Havana
Address: 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road Lewistown, IL 61542
-
Dirksen and McNaughton Parks (IL)
These two nature parks contain a very wide variety of natural habitats, from tallgrass prairie to white oak forests.
Location: Dirksen Park: 2200 Edgewater Dr Pekin, IL 61554
McNaughton Park: 708 Washington St. Pekin, IL 61554-4724
-
East Peoria Riverfront Greenway (IL)
The East Peoria Riverfront Greenway consists of a 1.8 mile hiking and biking trail along the banks of the Illinois River.
Location: Beginning at Eastport Public Boat Ramp, the trail runs through Cooper Park and terminates at Spindler’s Marina and Campground near East Peoria, Illinois.
Eastport Marina: 701 Mariners Way East Peoria, Il 61611
Spindler Campground and Marina: 3703 N. Main St. East Peoria, Il 61611
-
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge (IL)
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge was established December 29, 1993, with the purchase of its first 284 acres. About 2,200 acres have been acquired to date. The refuge is being assembled to protect, restore, and manage migratory bird, fish, and resident wildlife habitat in the Illinois River Valley, while providing for increased public recreation and educational opportunities. When complete, it will contain 11,122 acres.
Location: Located at the confluence of the Spoon and Illinois rivers in Fulton County, Illinois
-
Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the Emiquon Preserve houses several species of mammals along with the usual birds and butterflies.
Location: SR 78 Hwy and E County Hwy 9
Lewistown, IL 61542 -
Hennepin and Hopper Lakes Restoration (IL)
This restored wetland site offers viewing opportunities for a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of migratory birds and butterflies.
Location: Hennepin Farms Road, Hennepin, Ill.
-
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park (IL)
Home to several indigenous species of tree, the Hennepin Canal Parkway State park celebrates the natural heritage of the area, along with the man-made canal.
Location: 16006 875 E. Street Sheffield, IL 61361
