Review: Dixon Springs State Park

Located near Golconda Illinois, Dixon Springs State Park is small, but packs a lot into a small place. It offers camping, picnicking, hiking, group cabins with a shower house and even a modern pool complete with lifeguard and a 45-foot waterslide. Its central location makes it an excellent place to stay while exploring the Shawnee National Forest.

Cliffs and huge boulders line the small canyon valley alongside of a small creek that is central to the park. The hiking trails are quite nice, and lead to some very interesting rock formations that are creatively name like Ghost Dance, Pluto’s Cave, Rib Wrencher and Devil’s Workshop. Our favorite trail is the Bluff trail.

Continue reading ‘Review: Dixon Springs State Park’ »

Review: Lake Glendale Recreation Area

Located near Golconda Illinois, Lake Glendale Recreation Area’s location makes it the perfect hub for visiting Shawnee National Forest attractions. You will be surrounded by tall pines and hardwoods; there is even an 80 acre lake with a beautiful beach and concessions.

 

Lake Glendale offers a wide range of recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and bicycling.

It is surrounded by several worthy natural and cultural attractions including: Continue reading ‘Review: Lake Glendale Recreation Area’ »

Review: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Wayne Fitzgerrell is located north of Benton Illinois on the north end of Rend Lake. Whether your interests are hunting, fishing, boating, jet skiing, horseback riding, hiking, camping or picnicking, you will find it all right here.

Although we have only camped here a few times over the years this is a very popular camping mecca. We love the bike trails and abundant wildlife. We have seen our fair share of Great Blue Heron and an occasional Bald Eagle, tons of Deer, Wild Turkey, Pheasant and lots more. An evening ride is always exciting.

Continue reading ‘Review: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area’ »

Review: Cave-in-Rock State Park

Cave-in-Rock State Park is nestled on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River just east of the little town of Cave in Rock Illinois.  Although it is rather remote and isolated on the extreme southeastern edge of Illinois , we love this park. The park’s main attraction is a 55 foot wide cave that opens onto the Ohio River. When the river is not up, the cave is accessible via a trail along the riverbank. Note: There are many steps leading down to the river trail.

Settlers first discovered the cave in 1729 and it is mentioned in many diaries and accounts of those who passed down the Ohio to settle the area and beyond. The cave is infamous for the River Pirates that sometimes made it their home and famous for being part of the 1962 movie “How The West Was Won”.
Continue reading ‘Review: Cave-in-Rock State Park’ »