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Mississippi Palisades State Park |
Mississippi Palisades State Park
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16327A IL Rte. 84
Savanna, IL 61074
815.273.2731
The Native American pathfinders along the rock palisades of the Mississippi
River did as present-day hikers do - in coursing the bluffs, they took the paths
of least resistance. The trails at the Mississippi Palisades, especially the
park’s southern routes, puts you in touch with the past. Walk them and you’ll
trace the footsteps of all those who came before you, some of whom came this way
nearly a thousand years ago.
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern
Illinois, the 2,500-acre Mississippi Palisades State Park is rich in American
Indian history.
Natural Features
Palisades is the word used to describe a line of lofty, steep cliffs usually
seen along a river, and Mississippi Palisades, 3 miles north of Savanna in
Carroll County, handsomely lives up to its name. Caves are evident as are
dangerous sink holes-limestone caves that go straight down. Erosion has carved
intriguing rock formations, including Indian Head, with its aquiline
characteristics, and Twin Sisters, a pair of humanoid figures on the bluff tops.
The U.S. Interior Department recognized the remarkable nature of this area when
in 1973 it designated acreage here as a national landmark.
Wooded ravines, whose brilliant hues splash the cliffs with color each autumn,
dissect the unglaciated terrain. Ferns, dot the deep ravines, while in the
park’s northern region, leaves of the white birch ripple in the wind. Each
spring and summer the valleys and slopes are dappled with the blooms of
trillium, bluebell, lobelia, shooting star and yellow ladies’ slipper.
Animal life, within the park and the river areas immediately adjoining it, is
varied. Waterfowl and shorebirds are numerous, as are wild turkeys. Striking
pileated woodpeckers make their home in the park, and depending on ice
conditions, eagles feed at the river in January and February. Because so many
birds migrate along the river, their lyrical songs can be heard at the
Mississippi Palisades each spring and fall.
But not all that’s fascinating about Mississippi Palisades’ wildlife is in the
skies. White-tailed deer, gray squirrel, skunk, muskrat and weasel can be viewed
in the park, as can mink, gray and red fox, woodchuck and, even occasionally,
badger.
Trails
The gateway to seeing the park’s impressive assortment of plant and animal life
is its rugged 15-mile trail system. The five trails in the northern part of the
park are generally wider and less strenuous than the five in the south, which
are narrow and extremely close to the bluff. The southern trails also are very
hazardous when wet.
The North System includes High Point Trail at 3.5 miles and Aspen at 1.9 miles.
Sentinel Trail, at 1.2 miles including spurs, is the South System’s longest
hike, but it and other southern loops aren’t for the tenderfoot. Ozzie’s Point,
Louis’ Point and Lookout Point, four developed overlooks accessible by short
walks, offer a surfaced trail leading to an overlook. Oak Point offers a trail
surface suitable for the physically challenged.
Hiking trails are closed during the park’s three-day firearm deer season, and
specific information in available at the park office.
Camping
With 241 Class A and B sites in both shaded and open areas, Mississippi
Palisades is in demand by campers. Electrical hookups are available at 110
sites. Showers and flush toilets are situated in three buildings and are in
operation from May 1 until Oct 31. You can pick up supplies at a camp
convenience store, open during the summer. The campground also features water
and two sanitary dump stations. Only campers with permits are allowed in the
campground, with admittance prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Reservations
are no longer being taken for the Class A and B sites at Mississippi Palisades.
MAP | Camping Fees
Two youth camping areas are also available. These may be reserved from June 1
through October 31. An adult must accompany every group of 15 minors. Any group
of 25 or more must get permission from the site personnel before entering the
park.
Fishing and Boating
With the Mississippi River and its backwaters the perfect habitat for so many
kinds of fish, anglers are consistently baiting their hooks at Mississippi
Palisades. Catfish and carp are the most commonly caught fish, but bluegill,
crappie and bass are out there too. Those long on experience might even land
walleye and northern pike. There are no motor size limits on boats, and
launching ramps at the river access areas are free.
Hunting
Hunters gather at the park each year for archery and firearm hunting for deer
and wild turkey. During the three-day shotgun deer season, the campground, day
use area and hiking trails are closed. Contact the park office for specific
information. Hunter Fact Sheet
Picnicking
Throw a checkered tablecloth across one of the park’s many picnic tables and
enjoy one of summer’s simple pleasures. Playgrounds and toilets are convenient
to the picnic areas. The shelter houses and drinking fountains in the park
attest to the 1930's craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Three
shelters are available to groups of 25 or more on a reservation basis.
Winter Sports
Don’t let a little cold weather keep you form visiting the park. Mississippi
Palisades offers cross-country skiing and sledding for outdoor enthusiasts.
Anglers aren’t left out in the cold either-or maybe they are-because ice fishing
is allowed at the boat launch area when the ice is thick enough.
Concession
Forgot something? If you did, please stop by the concession stand located in the
park to pick up the camping supply or grocery item you left behind. You will
find the concession open from May 1 - September 15 and holidays during the week
with varied hours.
Enjoy Your Visit
Your trip to Mississippi Palisades State Park will be more enjoyable for you and
for everyone if you follow a few simple rules. Keep your pets leashed at all
times. Stay on designated trails. Don’t pick any flowers. As the Indians did,
leave only footprints.
Directions
From I-90, exit at US Rt. 20 west (Galena/Freeport exit). From Rt. 20, turn
south on Rt. 84. The park is located 18 miles from Rt. 20.
From I-80, exit on Rt. 84 and travel north approximately 50 miles to reach the
park which is located three miles north of Savanna.
* 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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