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Illini State Park |
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2660 East 2350th Rd.
Marseilles, IL 61341
815.795.2448
UPDATE: May 19, 2003 - Due to staff shortages Sunrise, Council, Wildcat Bog,
River Meadows, and Ancient Oaks Day Use Areas are temporarily closed.
Illini State Park is the kind of park you think of when you think of big picnics
and family gatherings. With its rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and
riverside picnic areas, Illini State Park offers beautiful views and a sense of
history not found in many other parks.
Named for the native Americans who once inhabited the area, Illini State Park is
located south of the Illinois River from Marseilles and U.S. Route 6. The
northern edge of the 510-acre park is bordered by the Great Falls of the
Illinois River. In just two miles, the river drops three feet, creating
beautiful roaring rapids. The east end of the park is the former site of the
prestigious Marsatawa Country Club.
History
 Rock out crops
along riverSeveral reminders of America's Industrial Age can be seen at Illini
State Park. The area is part of an old glacial feature called the Marseilles
Moraine and is underlaid by 100 feet of coal. A large coal mine one mile south
of the park supplied coal to Marseilles industries until World War II. The
Illinois Traction System, an interurban electric transit system that ran from
Chicago to Princeton, was one of those industries. The Marseilles powerhouse for
the ITS can still be seen on the north bank of the river.
Less than one mile north of the park is the historic Illinois-Michigan Canal,
which was completed in 1848, when the section from Marseilles to Morris opened.
The I & M Canal carried the area's commerce until the railroads became the
transportation giants.
Although the Illinois River rapids are wonderful to watch, they made barge
traffic difficult. In the mid-1920s, the Army Corps of Engineers built a barge
canal to bypass the rapids. The canal borders the park on the north, and
visitors can watch as large barges pass by the park and through the Marseilles
Locks.
The prestigious Marsatawa Country Club once graced the east end of the park.
Organized by Ottawa resident W.D. Boyce, who also founded the Boy Scouts of
America, the club boasted one of the premier golf courses of its day.
In the 1930s, two companies of the Civilian Conservation Corps converted the
golf course to a park and built park buildings that are still in use today. The
former country club building was moved into Marseilles and serves as the
American Legion Hall.
The CCC camp at the west end of the park was converted into a semi-correctional
boys' camp that provided maintenance in the park until it was closed in the late
1960s.
Illini entered the state park system in 1934 and was dedicated in 1935.
Natural Features
Hickory, ash, walnut, elm, cottonwood, oak and maple trees provide shady
coolness in the summer and beautiful colors in the fall. Spring is highlighted
by blooming wildflowers, Whitetail deer, squirrels, possum, beavers, raccoon,
groundhogs, and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds can be seen during all
seasons.
Picnicking
Scattered throughout the park are picnic areas and shelters with tables, outdoor
grills, drinking water, toilets and playgrounds. Several of the shelters also
have working fireplaces.
Camping
There is something for every type of camper at Illini State Park. Both tent and
trailer sites, including electric and sanitation service, are offered and some
of the sites offer breathtaking views of the river. A youth area is available
for youth groups and should be reserved in advance through the site office. All
campers should obtain permits from the site staff or campground host upon
arrival. Reservations accepted | Youth Camp Application | Campsite Reservation
Application | MAP
Boating and Fishing
Anglers will find ample supplies of crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, carp,
bullheads and many other species in the Illinois River. A boat ramp is available
for visitors' boats, but rental boats are not available. Although there is no
motor limit on the Illinois River, boaters should be aware of the danger of
barge traffic and the close proximity of the Marseilles Lock and Dam.
Winter Sports
Person sledding down a hillIllini State Park is the perfect place for winter
fun. An ice skating pool and hills ideal for sledding provide hardy outdoor
enjoyment. A shelter offers a comfortable setting for warming fingers and toes
after a winter workout.
Other Facilities
Hikers will enjoy exploring the park and its many scenic and historic offerings.
Open fields, a baseball diamond and numerous horseshoe pits provide additional
recreational opportunities. A concession stand has food and drink in the warmer
months.
* 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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