Fort Massac State Park

Fort Massac State Park was dedicated in 1908 as Illinois’ first state park, but this spot has a history that dates back much further. The scenic Ohio River overlook has hosted Native Americans, French explorers, and British soldiers. In 1794 President George Washington decided that a fort should be constructed to protect American interests and territories. The fort was constructed and named Fort Massac. The fort was used by United States military until 1814 when it was abandoned for a more strategic location down river.

Today, visitors can see a replica of the 1802 Fort Massac complete with barracks, officer quarters, a blockhouse, stockade, and dry moat. The reconstructed fort was not placed on the original fort location to preserve the site’s integrity.

The original Fort Massac State Park covered 24 acres. Today, the park encompasses 1,450 acres and offers a variety of activities. Picnicking, camping, boating, hunting, and hiking are among the choices. There is a tree identification trail where visitors follow a brochure on a one-mile train to identify and learn about the park’s trees. The tree identification trail brochure is available at the park’s new visitors’ center and museum.

Each year in October, the park hosts more than 80,000 visitors who come to enjoy the Fort Massac Encampment, a re-creation of Fort Massac during the late 1700's.

For more information about Fort Massac State Park, write or call:

Fort Massac State Park
1308 East 5th Street
Metropolis, IL 62960
(618) 524-4712

Directions:
From Marion, take Interstate 57/24 south 46 miles to exit 37. Go east on Highway 45 to Fort Massac State Park.

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