938 E. 3003rd Lane
Clayton, IL 62324
217.894.6205
Nature's bounty has conspired to produce a natural beauty and source of
recreation greatly prized by generations of Midwesterners at Siloam Springs
State Park, just minutes east of Quincy.
The beautifully wooded terrain, sparkling lake, and carefully maintained
facilities make this 3,323 acre site one of the most beautiful parks in
Illinois. It's an ideal setting for outdoor visits, whether your interest is
hunting, fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, hiking or bird watching. The
park is surrounded by luxuriantly forested gullies and scenic crests alive with
wild roses, black-eyed Susans, white false indigo and snapdragons.
History
 Originally part
of the "military tract" of western Illinois (land set aside to be given to
combat veterans), the area was acquired in 1852 by George Meyers for his service
in the Black Hawk and Mexican wars. He died in 1882 at the age of 102. Legend
has it that spring water in the area had a medicinal effect, thus the name
Siloam Springs from a Biblical reference, so-called by the Rev. Reuben K. McCoy,
who had discovered the springs following the Civil War.
a spring houseAfter Meyers' death, Quincy Burgesser, a local businessman and
stock dealer, became aware of the springs and their "curative value." He had the
water analyzed and discovered it had more "strength" (a higher mineral content)
than water from the famous Eureka and Waukesha springs.
Burgesser touted the water's ability to cure almost all ailments, even
drunkenness and drug addiction. By 1884 he had erected two spring houses, a
bathing house and the Siloam Forest Home Hotel, and the area became a popular
and fashionable resort. Water from the No. 2 spring was bottled and distributed
as far west as Kansas City and bottling became a flourishing business for
several decades.
In 1935, the Siloam Springs Recreation Club purchased the site in an effort to
restore it and provide a place of recreation for the local population. Citizens
of Adams and Brown counties raised money to match state funds and by 1940 an
agreement was reached to make it a state recreation area. Eventually, the old
hotel and bath houses were torn down, the swimming pool abandoned and the
springs no longer were used. The No. 2 spring house was rebuilt in 1995 and
contains the most popular spring.
In 1954 and 1955, an earthen dam was constructed across a deep ravine and the
58-acre lake was created. In 1956 Siloam Springs was dedicated as a state park,
and efforts began to develop its recreational facilities.
Picnicking
Old Siloam picnic area provides visitors with four shelters, charcoal grills,
rest rooms, shaded tables and playground equipment. The main shelter house,
which holds more than 20 tables, also provides flush toilets, hot and cold
water, grills, playground equipment, plenty of parking and a set of horseshoe
pits. In addition, there are several other smaller areas scattered along the
park entrance road providing tables and grills.
Camping
If you want to spend a night or two under the stars, there are 98 Class A camp
sites featuring rest rooms, showers and electricity, 84 Class B camp sites
featuring showers and rest rooms, and four backpack camp sites, in addition to a
special group campground. There is a centrally located shower facility available
to all campers. Campsite Reservations are NOT accepted.
Horse Trails and Equestrian Camping
The park contains equestrian trails totaling 23 miles, covering ridgetops and
steep wooded valleys. There is a separate camping area for riders and their
mounts, with water and limited electricity. Horse rentals are not available.
Concession
Boat and Canoe rentals, a variety of bait and tackle, snack foods, soda and
sandwiches are available on a seasonal basis from the concession stand by the
lake, phone 217-894-6271.
Fishing
The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and green sunfish,
carp, crappie, channel catfish and rainbow trout. An Illinois fishing license
and an Inland Trout stamp are required and should be purchased before arriving
at the park. Designated as a fish preserve by the Department of Natural
Resources, only sport fishing tackle is allowed, and anglers may not use more
than two poles and four hooks. There are six fishing piers around the lake as
well as bank fishing.
Boating
Row boats, canoes and paddle boats may be rented, and there is a launching ramp
for private craft. Only electric motors are allowed, no outboards.
Hiking
Hiking the Siloam Springs trails brings you closer to the many wildflowers found
throughout the park, including wild roses, snapdragons and black-eyed Susans.
There are about 12 miles of scenic hiking trails that go from valleys to
flatlands throughout the park, including a combination 6-mile hiking and
backpacking trail. Most trails are easy, but Hoot Owl at 1.5 miles and Red Oak
backpack trail at 4 miles are moderate. Four primitive camp sites are also
available for those who wish to hike to them.
Hunting | Hunter Fact Sheet | Buckhorn Unit Hunter Fact Sheet
Non-Resident Archery Deer Application | 2006 Draw Results
When game populations justify, in-season hunting is available. Please contact
the park office for species, shooting times, opening dates and areas opened.
Winter Sports
Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and
sledding.
Directions
From Quincy, IL, Take IL Rte 104 9 miles East to County Road 1200 N. Follow
signs 12 miles to County Road 2873E, then South 3 miles to park entrance. Park
Office is 1.5 miles from entrance. Park signs in place from Rte. 104 to park
entrance.
From Springfield, IL, Take I 72 West to Griggsville and go North on Rte 107 for
11 miles. There, turn west on Rte.104 for 15 miles to County Road 2873E. Turn
North for 6 miles to park entrance. Office is 1.5 miles from entrance. Park
signs in place from Rte. 104 to the park entrance.
From Peoria, IL, Take US Rte. 24 to just outside of Clayton. There, turn South
on County Road 2950E then South 10 miles to Kellerville, then West on 1200N 1
mile. Then to County Road 2873 South for 3 miles to park entrance. Park office
is 1.5 miles from entrance. Park signs in place from Rte. 24 to park entrance.
* 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
Economic Opportunity, 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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