Cache River State Natural Area

Cache River State Natural Area is a remnant of a wetland ecosystem that formerly covered 250,000 acres of land in southern Illinois. The natural area includes nearly 13,000 acres and is located on the Cache River in southern Illinois’ Johnson and Pulaski counties.

Visitors may feel like they are visiting a Louisiana bayou when they see the swamp land at Cache River State Natural Area. There are cypress trees that are more than 1,000 years old with circumferences in excess of 40 feet. The natural area’s floating boardwalk takes visitors into the swamp for a closer look. There is also a six-mile canoe trail, Cache Canoe Trail, for those guests who really want to get up close and personal.

Cache River State Natural Area has more than 100 endangered or threatened plant and animal species. The diverse wildlife includes river otters, muskrats, beavers, bobcats, and foxes. There are over 200 bird species including bald eagles, egrets, hawks, herons, and owls. Reptiles also flourish at the natural area with several unique frog species and over 20 snake species. Copperhead, cottonmouth, and rattlesnakes are the poisonous variety, non-aggressive yet still worth keeping an eye on.

Recreational activities include canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, hunting, and picnicking. Ten hiking trails cover more than 20 miles of the natural area and reveal the area’s diverse habitats. Prairies, forests, and swamp land make up the 13,000 acres of Cache River State Natural Area.

The Barkhausen Wetlands Center is a 6,500 square-foot building filled with exhibits and displays that help visitors learn about the wetlands. Cache River State Natural Area is truly a unique ecosystem that cannot be found anywhere else in Illinois.

For more information about Cache River State Natural Area, write or call:

Cache River State Natural Area
930 Sunflower Lane
Belknap, IL 62908
(618) 634-9678

Directions:
From Marion, take Highway 37 south 32 miles to Highway 169 and go east 3 miles then northeast 4 miles to Belknap.

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