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Red
Hills State Park |
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1100 N. & 400 E.
R.R. 2, Box 252A
Sumner, IL 62466
618.936.2469
For wildflowers, fresh foliage and soothing breezes in the spring...picnicking,
camping, hiking, boating and fishing in the summer...appreciating the brilliant
hues of autumn's colorful plumage...or ice skating and ice fishing in the brisk,
blue winter...Red Hills State Park is waiting for you.
In southeastern Illinois midway between Olney and Lawrenceville on U.S. 50, Red
Hills is a carefully preserved and maintained 967-acres of high wooded hills,
deep ravines, captivating meadows and year-round springs. It's the perfect
setting for natural relaxation and outdoor activities. The sparkling 40-acre
lake is ideal for fishing and boating.
Pause to enjoy the spectacular scenic view from atop Red Hills-- the highest
point of land between St. Louis and Cincinnati -- and the 120-foot tower and
cross rising from its summit, this unspoiled sanctuary from everyday life
provides a great opportunity to relax and rediscover nature.
An open-air tabernacle at the base of the tower -- financed and constructed by
area residents cooperating with an interdenominational council -- services are
held on Sunday evening during the summer. A popular activity since 1943 has been
the annual Easter sunrise services.
A satellite area of the park, the 627-acre Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve,
contains the best remaining example of what is called a Wabash Border Marsh
Ecosystem, with marshes, dry and wet prairie, lush bottomland forest and
thriving riverline communities. During late July and early August beautiful pink
and white hibiscus and hairy rose mallow are in bloom.
Veterans' Point is a one-quarter acre parcel of land that is available to local
veteran groups to honor ex-servicemen of all wars and to provide a place for
their gatherings.
History
The park is an important historical crossroad, the western most edge of the
first land in Illinois ceded by Native Americans to the United States. The
borderline runs through the park from southwest to northeast, and was set by a
treaty made in 1795 at Greenville, Ohio, by General Anthony Wayne whereby Native
Americans relinquished all claims to the land northwest of the Ohio River and
east of a specified line. The area was called Vincennes Tract. The western
boundary running through the park was known as the Indian boundary line and is
marked by decided jogs which corresponded to the original survey line.
The area was bisected by the Old Cahokia Trace, commonly known as the "Trace
Road," which ran east and west just north of what is now U.S. 50, and was for
many years the principal route from historic Vincennes, IN, to St. Louis and the
west.
A dam constructed across Muddy Creek, a tributary of the Embarras (pronounced "Ambraw")
River in 1953 created the 40-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and 2.5
miles of shoreline.
Since then, the park has grown to its present size, and development and
improvement of its recreational facilities has been continuous.
Picnicking
For family outings, what better way to spend a day than to have a picnic. Red
Hills has pleasant, shaded picnic areas throughout the park, with tables and
grills. There are three picnic shelters for large gatherings, two reservable and
one first-come, first-serve, and six playgrounds for the kids. All areas are
convenient to parking lots. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Camping
For longer stays, there are more than 100 Class A campsites with vehicular
access that provide electricity, a sanitary dump station, water and access to a
modern handicapped-accessible building with showers and flush toilets. Some
sites are pull-through with 50 amp service.
Handicapped sites are also available. In addition, there is a primitive tent
camping area, rent-a-camp cabin, an equestrian campground and, in the North
Park, a youth group tent camping area. Camping permits must be obtained from the
park staff.
Trails
Eight miles of refreshing, scenic trails of moderate difficulty wind through the
park, where the vibrant colors of redheaded woodpeckers, bluejays and wild
canaries can be seen.
Hiking
For the intermediate hiker, Indian Treaty, Robin, Valley Springs and Tulip trail
loops overlap each other on the hilly north side of U.S. Route 50 for about 3
miles. There is also a 5-mile trail for horseback riding and bicycling when soil
conditions permit.
horseback ridingHorseback Riding
Trails can be used by both equestrians and bicyclists. Check with park staff for
open dates. A Class C equestrian campground is available. A local Saddle Club
hosts horse shows once a month from April - October at the Red Hills Arena.
Fishing and Boating
A paved road circles the lake, and bank fishing for largemouth bass, channel
catfish, crappie and bluegill is very popular.
A boat launch is available or you can rent a boat from the concession. However,
gas motors are not allowed.
Winter sports
In the winter months, when the ice is thick enough, you can go ice fishing and
enjoy ice skating on the lake. There are also sledding opportunities.
Hunting
Squirrel, dove, woodcock, quail and rabbit are plentiful in season. Archery deer
hunting is also permitted. There is a check station where all hunters must check
in and out. Consult the park staff for specific information about shooting times
and opening dates. Red Hills Hunter Fact Sheet | Chauncey Marsh Hunter Fact
Sheet
Trace Inn
The restaurant is open year-round offering a spectacular four seasons overlook
of Red Hills Lake and the surrounding hardwood forest. Fine dining is enhanced
by the rustic atmosphere of a rural decor, antiques and creative seasonal
decorations. The Holiday Banquet Room provides dining for an additional 50
guests and can be booked for private parties and meetings. Visitors to the Trace
Inn will also enjoy a unique craft, collectibles, and antique shop. For more
information call (618) 936-2352.
Directions
Red Hills State Park is located in Lawrence County on US Rt #50 between Olney
and Lawrenceville near the town of Sumner.
From US Rt #41 at Vincennes, Indiana, the park is located 18 miles west on Rt.
50.
From the junction of I-57 and Rt. 50 at Salem the park is located 65 miles east.
From the junction of IL Rt 1 and Rt. 50 at Lawrenceville the park is 8 miles
west.
From Chicago take I-57 to Mattoon. Go east on Rt. 16 to Charleston, then take
Rt. 130 south to Olney, and travel east on Rt. 50 to the park.
* 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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