Big River State Forest

Big River State Forest was established in 1925 when the State of Illinois acquired 200 acres of timberland along the Mississippi River in northern Henderson County. Today, the forest covers nearly 3,000 acres and serves a dual purpose of forestry management and public recreation.

Big River State Forest has a thriving and profitable pine forest consisting of white and red pines. There are two endangered plants, the penstemon and Patterson’s bindweed, found within Big River.

Anglers can cast a line in the Mississippi River and will most likely reel in a bass, bluegill, catfish, or crappie.

The forest has a network of firebreaks that cover 60 miles within the forest and double as hiking and equestrian trails. There are also 30 miles of marked snowmobile trails during winter months at Big River. Other activities include boating, camping, hunting, and picnicking.

For more information about Big River State Forest, write or call:

Big River State Forest
Rural Route 1 Box 118
Keithsburg, IL 61442
(309) 374-2496

Directions:
From Galesburg, take Highway 164 west for 30 miles then go north for 8 miles and follow the signs to Big River State Forest.

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