Illini State Park is a hidden gem if you are into barge watching, fishing and relaxing. This park is also only about 20 miles or so from the more well known Starved Rock State Park. This is a great option if you are looking to hike or kayak in Starved Rock but the campground there was already full for the weekend.
Illini is named for the native Americans and is south of the Illinois River across from the town of Marseilles. Back in the 1920s, the Army Corps of Engineers built a barge canal to bypass the rapids. The canal borders the park, and visitors can watch as large barges pass through the Marseilles Locks. Several campsites have wonderful views of the river and barges. We spent lots of time just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the view. It’s nice to take it easy everyone in awhile!
This park features picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds, as well as tent and trailer campsites (electric service only). There is a dump station and spigots to refill drinking water. There are a couple hiking trails and a boat launch as well as a paved road that we saw lots of people bicycling on which is relatively flat. Check out the map below of the park.
Click here to go to the park’s website and learn more about them as well as book a campsite!
We enjoyed C.P’s ice cream which is a short walk from the campsites. The girls kept wanting to go back every night and we let them – no such thing as too much ice cream, right? Check out their Facebook page here.
