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Dixon
Springs State Park |
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R.R. #2, Box 178
Route 146
Golconda, IL 62938
618.949.3394
Dixon Springs State Park is one of several state parks in the Illinois Shawnee
Hills. The park is on a giant block of rock which was dropped 200 feet along a
fault line that extends northwesterly across Pope County.
The 801 acre park is about 10 miles west of Golconda on Illinois Route 146 near
its junction with Illinois Route 145. The first land acquisition was in 1946.
History
The area around the park was occupied by various tribes of Algonquins who, after
the Shawnee had been driven from Tennessee, had settled near the mouth of the
Wabash River. Dixon Springs was one of their favorite camping grounds and was
called "Kitchemuske-nee-be" for the Great Medicine Waters.
One of the better known Indian Trails, which the early French called the "Grand
Trace," passed to the west of the park and south to Fort Massac, then branched
out into lesser trails. Much of the "Grand Trace" is Illinois Route 145, one of
the most scenic highways in the state, running nearly all of its length south
from Harrisburg through the Shawnee National Forest.
This section of the state was part of an Indian Reservation occupied for a time
by about 6,000 Native Americans. Like the buffalo, most of the Indians were gone
by the early 1830's.
Dixon Springs takes its name from William Dixon, one of the first white settlers
to build a home in this section, who obtained a school land warrant in 1848 from
Governor Augustus C. French. His cabin was a landmark for many years as was an
old log church on the adjoining knoll.
A small community grew up at Dixon Springs with a general store, post office,
blacksmith shop, grist mill, and several churches.Dixon Springs
Dixon Springs became a 19th century health spa which attracted hundreds to the
seven springs of mineral-enriched water. A bathhouse provided mineral or soft
water baths, hot or cold, available at any time. The natural beauty of the area
and its interesting stone formations helped to give the park valley a more
equable temperature in the summer than most of southern Illinois. This made the
resort so popular that people came by steamboat excursions from as far away as
Paducah, KY, Evansville, IN, and Cairo to Golconda. They then traveled by train
to within a couple miles of the park.
 The entire
county is hilly and during rainy weather rivulets cascade down the hills in the
park forming waterfalls of varying sizes and heights.
Bold cliffs and crags overhang a bubbling brook while large boulders, overgrown
with ferns, ivy, lichens, and moss, fringe the hillside. Giant century-old trees
interlock above the small creek as cliffs rise on either side and huge boulders
are scattered through the valley.
Equally intriguing are the names given numerous points of interest, including
Album Rock, Red Man's Retreat, Wolf Pen, Lover's Leap, Ghost Dance, Pluto's
Cave. Alligator Rock, the Chain of Rocks, Devil's Workshop, and Honeycomb Rock.
The principle canyon has walls nearly 60 feet high with a long, narrow
passageway.
Deer, squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and foxes scamper around the oak, cypress,
gum, pine, sycamore, walnut, persimmon, hickory, birch, and maple trees. Dogwood
and catalpa trees blossom profusely in season. In the spring the
Jack-in-the-pulpit, violet, lady's slipper, May apple, and sweet William
brighten the natural beauty of the park.
Swimming PoolFacilities at the park include a modern swimming pool, bathhouse,
and 45-foot water slide provided for swimmers' enjoyment. Lifeguard is on duty
at all times. Towering oaks, elms, and birch trees shade the pool. A concession
stand near the pool provides a variety of refreshments.
Picnic tables and outdoor stoves are available at three shaded picnic areas. Two
picnic shelters, playgrounds, parking areas, and drinking water are also
available. There is a Class B trailer camping area with a sanitary dumping
station and electricity available. Also available are ten sites for primitive
camping, two hiking trails, two basketball courts, three horseshoe pits, two
volleyball courts and an archery range.
Hunting
For more hunting information see: Hunter Fact Sheets: Dixon Springs | Dog Island
Directions
Dixon Springs State Park is located in Pope County, just 30 miles south of
Harrisburg, IL, or 20 miles north of Paducah, Ky. To reach Dixon Springs State
Park from I-24 traveling East, take exit #16 to Rt. 146. At the stop sign turn
left and the park is 13 miles on the left. If you are traveling West on I-24 you
take exit #16 to Rt. 146. At the stop sign turn right and the park entrance is
13 miles on the left. The park entrance sign is across from the Chocolate
Factory. Dixon Springs State Park is 1 mile east of Rt. 145.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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