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Recreation
In 1989 the Middle
Fork River was designated as a National Scenic River. This
designation covers a 17-mile segment of the river and protects it because
of its recreation, scenery, ecology, and historical significance.
The Middle Fork River supports an abundant selection of plants and animals.
There are 57 types of fish, 45 different mammals, and 190 bird species.
Included in these numbers are 24 species that have been selected as threatened
or endangered. Kickapoo
State Park, Middle
Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area, and Kennekuk
County Park are located along the Middle Fork and provide
an abundance of scenery, recreation and history.
Middle
Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area provides 2,700 acres
of fields and forests, a nature lover’s dream come true. Activities
include fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, picnicking,
and camping. If that’s not enough, the Middle Fork Wildlife Area
provides a trap range and an archery trail for hunters to practice their
skills. Winter brings cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding
to Middle Fork. Call (217) 442-4915 for park details.
In 1939 the State of Illinois purchased 1,290 acres of strip-mined land
from a Danville coal company. Years later, Kickapoo
State Park
is a beautiful example of nature’s ability to recover. Kickapoo
now covers 2,842 acres with more than 20 lakes and ponds for the anglers.
Trout, bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie are among the favorite catch.
Other activities at Kickapoo include hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing,
camping, hunting, and scuba diving. Yes, scuba diving is available in
the deep, clear waters of Inland Sea and Sportsman’s Lake. For more
information call (217) 442-4915.
Kennekuk County
Park is located 5 miles west of Danville. It provides 3,000
acres of forest, prairies, lakes, ponds and marshes. Hunting, picnicking,
fishing, canoeing, and hiking are some of the recreational opportunities
available at the park.
Also available is some local history at the Bunker
Hill Historic Area. This area includes a church built in
1886, The Vermilion Chapel, a one room schoolhouse, Red Oak School, and
the Newtown General Store. The visitor’s center provides a natural
history museum. Call (217) 442-1691 for more information about Kennekuk
County Park
Lake Vermilion is a 1,000 acre lake located in Danville. The lake is part of the Lake Vermilion County Park. Although the lake serves as a water supply for Danville, it also doubles as a wonderful fishing spot. The lake is heavily stocked with bass, Muskie, catfish, crappie, and walleye. Call (217) 442-1691 for details.
Forest Glen Preserve offers 1,800 acres of recreational and scenic opportunities. There are four registered nature preserves within the park plus a 22-acre savanna restoration area. The preserve has a 72-foot observation tower for an eagle’s eye view of the surrounding area. Activities include picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. Call (217) 662-2142 for detailed information.