Mackinaw River State Fish & Wildlife Area
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This area features a more rugged topography than the rest of the Mackinaw River Valley. On the upland ridges, a high-quality forest of white oaks and black oaks thrives and chinquapin oaks, sugar maples, and red oaks dominate the ravines. On the floodplain are sycamore and silver maples. Activities include canoeing, fishing, hand trap-shooting, hiking trails, and hunting.
Find more information online here!
Lowden State Park
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Just north of Oregon, the bluffs are graced with a 50-foot wonder that is awe-inspiring of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. Park activities include boating, camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, and metal detecting.
Find more information online here!
Sand Ridge State Forest
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This forest is an island in a sea of agriculture, this is the largest state forest with 7,200 acres. Activities include an archery range, camping, cross country skiing, dog training, equestrian trails, geocaching, hunting, picnicking, and snowmobile trails. 44 miles or hiking trails are also there for hikers.
Find more information online here!
Woodford & Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Areas
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The Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area resides on the east side of the Illinois River and has a major waterfowl refuge. Deer, raccoon, muskrat, mink, and beaver find this habitat to their liking and can be observed at dusk and dawn.
At the Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area are 6,000 acres—half land, half water. Activities include camping and picnicking with tables, shelters, and stoves. Be aware, there’s no drinking water at this location.
Find more information on Woodford SFWA here and Marshall SFWA here!
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
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A little further north from Peoria, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area has a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Activities include boating, camping, cross country skiing, dog training, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, and snowmobiling.
Find more information online here!
| Summer Fun Tips: Sun Safety |
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| Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Find more information from the CDC online here: Sun Safety (cdc.org) |