WIXLIB

P L A N YOUR VI S I TPARK REGULATIONSALCOHOL RESTRICTIONSSeveral parks have complete or partialalcohol bans. Call ahead for information.ARTIFACTSReport any prehistoric or historic artifacts you find. Removal of resources, including fossils, is strictly prohibited.IMPORTANT NUMBERSILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESGeneral InformationSpringfieldAll DNR Informationfor the Hearing-ImpairedChicago Area(217) 782-6302(217) 782-9175 (TTY)(312) 814-2070Websitednr.illinois.govSpecial Events/State Fairs(217) 524-5861DNR Direct (AutomatedLicense System)(888) 6PERMIT (673-7648)Boat/SnowmobileRegistration(217) 557-0180 or(800) 382-1696Deer/Turkey/Dove/Pheasant/Goose/Duck Permit(217) 782-7305Fishing/Hunting License(888) 6PERMIT (673-7648)Environmental/SportingSeriesLicense Plate Information(800) 252-8980(Illinois only)Safety CoursesHunting/Boating/Snowmobiling/Trapping(800) 832-2599(Illinois only)(217) 557-9206(Out of state)Educational Services(217) 524-4126HIKINGIllinois State Museum(217) 782-7386Stay on designated trails. Going off-pathharms vegetation and causes erosion,requiring additional maintenance.OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERSBOATINGYour boat must be registered andtitled prior to use. Call (217) 557-0180 or(800) 382-1696 for more information.FIRESNever build campfires on dry and windydays or leave them unattended. Only usedesignated fire rings or a camp stove sofires can’t spread. Transporting firewoodfrom outside parks into them is strictlyregulated.FISHING & HUNTINGRegulation digests are availablewherever fishing and hunting licenses aresold, or by calling the IDNR clearinghouseat (217) 782-7498. Hunting and fishinglicenses are available at dnr.illinois.gov.LITTERPack out what you pack in. Properlydispose of any litter and use recyclingbins wherever they are available.PETSFor the safet y of your pet, and forwildlife, always keep your pet leashed.Always dispose of pet waste properly.SNOWMOBILINGYo u r s n o w m o b i l e m u s t b ere g is te re d a n d insu re d . P l e a se c all(217) 557-0180 or (866) 867-3542 for moreinformation.8ILLINOIS STATE PARKS Acres for Wildlife(217) 782-6384IDNR Internships(217) 782-1274Illinois Historic PreservationAgency(217) 782-4836Illinois Tourist Information(800) 2CONNECT(226-6632)Poacher Hotline(877) 2DNRLAW(236-7529)Publications Request(217) 782-7498Road Conditions (Recording)(800) 452-4368Volunteer Network(217) 782-1274World Shooting &Recreational Complex(618) 295-2700

PR ES ER V ATI ONLODGING & DININGWhether you are coming to Illinois for aweek-long vacation, a weekend getawayor a day trip, you can enjoy comfortableaccommodations and fine dining at sevenIllinois state park locations. The CivilianConservation Corps built some of the parklodges and cabins in the 1930s. Since then,all of the historic structures have beenrefurbished. The IDNR has also built additionalaccommodations. From family dining to aromantic dinner for two, lodge restaurantsprovide a welcoming atmosphere. Thedress code is casual in all park restaurants.All facilities accept major credit cards andtraveler’s checks. For more information, visitwww.dnr.illinois.gov.NORTHWEST ILLINOIS1. Starved Rock Lodge & ConferenceCenter was built in part by the CivilianConservation Corps in the 1930s and islocated in a park well known for its scenic riverviews, waterfalls, glacier-carved canyons andhiking trails. Guests return year after year tohike, picnic, bike, fish, boat, camp and crosscountry ski in the winter. Amenities includesolid wood rustic furniture in each lodge roomand cabin. There are 69 lodge rooms and 21cabin rooms and some of the cabins are petfriendly with restrictions. All rooms have fullbaths, Wi-Fi, TV, DVD player, coffee maker, hairdryer and telephone. Lodge amenities includea 2-sided fireplace in the Great Hall, indoorswimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, sauna,gift shop, and spa. For more information, call(800) 868-7625 or (815) 667-4211, or visitstarvedrocklodge.com.- TheMainDiningRoom offers casual dining in a rustic setting.Sunday brunch is a guest favorite. Gluten-freeand other dietary options available. S t a r ve d R o c k C a f e ser ves cof fee,pastries, sandwiches, ice cream, andother snacks. Back Door Loungeoffers a laid-back atmosphere with greatfood and drink favorites. The Verandaoffers sandwiches, pizza, and more withlovely views of the Illinois River. Trailheads Snacks & Souvenirs is in the IDNRVisitor Center featuring a variety of fantasticice cream and fudge flavors as well as manyother snacks. Photo: Illinois DNR2. White Pines Resort offers the historic loglodge, crafted from stone and timber andnestled in the heart of Black Hawk Indiancountry under majestic White Pines, making itseem forgotten by time. The Resort includescozy guest cabins, an outstanding landmarkrestaurant, a delightful country gift shop, andan entertaining playhouse theatre. Amenitiesinclude 21 charming one-room cabins withlog queen beds and full-size trundles. Thereare two deluxe romantic suites with king-sizecanopy beds and old-fashioned soaking tubs.All the cabins have gas log fireplaces, privatebaths, TV, mini fridge, AC/heat, and beautifulforest views. The Lodge Restaurant servesup generous portions of hearty homemadedishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner dailyMarch – December and is known far andwide for their award-winning Sunday Buffet.For more information visit WhitePinesResort.n et o r c a ll ( 815) 946-240 0. Photo: White PinesEAST - CENTRAL ILLINOISEagle Creek Golf Course is located alongLake Shelbyville in Eagle Creek State ILLINOIS STATE PARKS9

LO DGI NG & DI NI N GPark. The course is a challenging 6,900yards, engineered by Ken Killian andenhanced in 2010 by Michael Benkusky.The resort is currently closed—thereopening date is pending. For moreinformation, call (217) 756-5550 or visitgolfateaglecreek.com. Photo: Illinois DNRSOUTH ILLINOIS3.Cave-in-Rock Lodge is located inhistoric Cave-in-Rock State Park, adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Ittakes its name from a large cave onceused as a hiding place by pirates whopreyed on Ohio River travelers until the1830s. The lodge offers easy access toboating and great fishing, and has severalmarked and unmarked trails to enjoy thepark’s splendor. Amenities include fourduplex cabins with eight suites, privatebalconies, deluxe bath, satellite TV, kitchenette, dining area, wet bar, gift shop,nearby playgrounds, boating access,and picnic shelters. For more information, c all (618) 289-4545 or visitcaveinrockkaylors.com. Cave-in-RockRestaurant serves family-style food. Baskin the warmth of the indoor fireplace ortake in the outdoors dining on the patio.Open daily until 7 p.m. Closed Tuesday inthe off season. Photo: Illinois DNR4. Giant City Lodge is a rustic lodge builtin the 1930s, by the Civilian ConservationCorps. Named for the area’s unique rockformations, which resemble the toweringwalls and streets of mythical giant’s city,the Lodge and Park are both listed in theNational Register of Historic Places. A greatspot for hiking, horseback riding, fishing,camping, rock climbing and picnicking.Amenities include 34 cabins with forest10 ILLINOIS STATE PARKS views, full baths, TV, telephone, refrigerator,coffee maker, meeting rooms and swimmingpool. A gift shop and cocktail lounge arealso located on premises. Bald Knob DiningRoom serves excellent fare and is wellknown for its family style fried chicken. Formore information call (618) 457-4921 or visitgiantcitylodge.com. Additional amenitieswithin the Park are a Class A Campground(618) 457-4836 and Giant City Stables(618) 529-4110. Photo: Illinois DNR5. The Resort at Rend Lake is situatedon Rend Lake in Wayne Fitzgerrell StatePark.Photo: IDNR [Note: Currentlyclosed. Reopen date pending.]The Trace Inn Restaurant is namedfor the Cahokia Trace pioneer trail thatpasses through Red Hills State Park nearSumner. Guests enjoy casual dining in therestaurant’s rustic setting and the breezeon the enclosed deck overlooking Red HillsLake. [Note: Currently closed. Reopen datepending.] NORTHEAST ILLINOIS6.Illinois Beach Resort & ConferenceCenter is nestled amid 4,100 acres ofpristine Lake Michigan shoreline insideAdeline Jay Geo - Karis Illinois BeachState Park. It offers hiking, fishing andswimming. Amenities include 92 guestrooms, including four suites, W i - Fi,banquet and conference facilities, fitnesscenter and spa, indoor swimming pooland gift shop. For more information, call(847) 625-7300 or (866) IL-BEACH, or visitilresorts.com. - Lakeside Dining Roomserves world class culinary delights. Dineal fresco on the expansive outdoor patiowith views of the lake. Sandpiper

L O D GI N G & D I N I N G1256347Lounge has cocktails and gorgeous viewsof Lake Michigan. Photo: Illinois DNRWEST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS7.Hazlet Cottages on Carlyle Lakeof fer s s c enic v iew s an d a rel a x in genvironment on Carlyle Lake at EldonHazlet State Recreation A rea. It ’s apopular destination for fishing, boating,sailing, swimming, hiking, biking,hunting, and camping, but also greatfor midweek romantic getaway. The 20cottages are furnished with kitchenettes,queen - size beds, secluded sleepinglofts, satellite T V, full bath and heat /AC, and a swimming pool nearby. Formore information, call (618) 594-8702or visit hazletcottages.com. - CarlyleLakefront Camp Store offers a limiteddining menu but has a good variety of prepackaged foods, camping supplies andgrocery items. It also includes a bait shopand a laundry facility. Photo: IDNR88. Pere Marquette Lodge & ConferenceCenter is the centerpiece of woodedPere Marquette State Park. The lodgeis situated among 8,000 acres of landoverlooking the Illinois River. Its rusticGreat Room boasts a 70 0 -ton stonefireplace and a life-size chessboard. PereMarquette is a favorite for hiking, biking,fishing, boating, horseback riding, andpicnicking. The 50 lodge rooms and 22stone cabins boast private baths, TVs, andtelephones. Enjoy a conference center,indoor swimming pool, spa, playground,campground facilities, 25 -mile bike trail,canoe, boat and kayak rentals, picnicareas, and nearby attractions. For moreinformation, call (618) 786-2331 or visitpmlodge.ne t. - Lodge Res taurantoffers a casual dining experience combiningthe b est of M i d wester n ho mest y lef a re w i t h r u s t i c e l e g a n c e . Mary Michelle Winery, located in theLodge, features locally made, award winning wines. Photo: IDNRKEYBreakfastLunchDinnerReservations requiredOpen in winterFree Wi-Fi ILLINOIS STATE PARKS11

P R E SE R VA T I ONTHINGS TO DOHIKING & BIKING TRAILSTRAIL NETWORKSAs it loops more than 500 miles betweenLake Michigan and the Mississippi River,the Grand Illinois Trail connects existingtrails and on-road bike routes to create thestate’s longest continuous trail.Illinois is also home to the Route 66 BikeTrail. From Chicago to St. Louis, this 400mile route incorporates on- and off-roadsegments on or near the historic route.Experience the magic of Route 66 frombehind your handlebars.The Mississippi River Trail, a 585-mileroute through Illinois, starts in Minnesotaand ends in Louisiana. You can reallyappreciate the majest y of “Old ManRiver” as you meander through towns thatdeveloped along it.stretches for 26 miles from Peoria Countyto Stark County. The IDNR manages 45miles of cycling/walking trails at Tunnel HillState Trail in southern Illinois. Also a railconversion, the trail traverses a 540-footlong tunnel built in 1870–1871.The Hennepin Canal Parkway, locatednear Sheffield, offers more than 100 milesof trail along the historic canal. It was thefirst American canal built of concretewithout stonecut facings and was a modelfor the construction of the Panama Canal.V isitor s to the 9 6 - mile Illinois &Michigan Canal near Morris can visitnearby state parks and check out restoredhistorical sites. There is an abundance ofwildlife and distinctive landscapes, frombluffs to rolling hills.SPORTFISHINGIllinois’ 1.6 million acres of surfacewaters, reservoirs, impoundments andstreams—attract millions of anglers. Themost commonly caught fish in the oneiStockYou can bike, hike, horseback ride,explore nature trails, snowshoe, crosscountry ski, and snowmobile the morethan 2,0 0 0 miles of trails in Illinois,spend the day boating on the numerouslakes, or participate in fishing, huntinga n d wildlife-associated recreationthroughout Illinois. To order activit yspecific recreational guides, please callthe Department of Natural Resources( I D N R ) a t ( 2 17 ) 7 8 2 -74 9 8 o r v i s i tdnr.illinois.gov.IDNR TRAILSThe Rock Island State Trail, near Peoria,is the first rail-trail conversion to be handledby the IDNR. The trail offers natural andarchitectural attractions in a tree-canopiedcorridor that is only 50 to 100 feet wide. It12 ILLINOIS STATE PARKS IDNR stocks nearly one million fish annually,including lake, rainbow, and brook trout.

TH I N GS TO D Omillion - acre portion of Lake Michiganowned by Illinois are salmon, perch, andtrout. The IDNR stocks nearly one millionfish annually, including lake, rainbow,brown and steelhead trout, as well aschinook and coho salmon.T hree of the U. S . A rmy C or ps ofEngineers reser voirs are popular forsportfishing: Lake Shelbyville, CarlyleLake, and Rend Lake. They are stockeda n nu a l l y w i t h m u sk i e, w a l l eye a n dlargemouth bass at L ake Shelby ville;largemouth bass, crappie, and sauger atCarlyle Lake; and largemouth and hybridstriped bass at Rend Lake.Illinois has more than 91,0 0 0 otherimpoundments. Most of these stockedlakes and ponds are man - made andprivate. Each year, about 350 public lakesand ponds are stocked supplementallywith species such as walleye, muskie,channel cat fish, striped bass, hybridstriped bass, and largemouth bass. Morethan 26,000 miles of streams lace theDNR DIRECTTo best serve customers, vendors andagencies, DNR Direct depends on an automated system to expedite hunting andtrapping licenses, stamps and permits, andboat and snowmobile renewals. Customers’ data is stored in a central database toease future transactions and eliminate theneed to re-enter information. Not only doesthis save time, but also it makes paper applications obsolete. It offers a quick, simpleway for outdoor enthusiasts to do business—and get about their business of enjoying Illinois’ nature! Call, go online or visitone of more than 1,000 terminal locations.For more information, call (888) 673-7648or visit www.dnr.illinois.gov.state where anglers vie for catfish, alongwith black bass, walleye, sauger, crappieand sunfish.FISHING CLINICSFree fishing clinics are offered as partof the Illinois Community Outreach &Resource Enhancement (CORE) FishingProgram. Its mission is to promoteconservation of Illinois’ aquatic resources.The program operates sites statewide andsponsors in-school, seasonal, and specialevent clinics for children under 16.The clinics teach sportfishing ethics,fish ecology, fish identification, fishingtechniques, and the care and preparationof caught fish. Participants in the programreceive hands- on experience by usingvar io us t y p es of fishin g e q ui p mentprovided by the IDNR. Sessions concludewith a supervised fishing trip to a stockedsite. A ll b ait and fishing t ack le areprovided free of charge.For more information, contactfishing coordinator:Region 1 & 2: (815) 625-2903Region 3: (217) 649-7376Regions 4 & 5: (618) 786-3323Chicago area: (847) 294-4134FISHING LICENSESFishing licenses are available toresid ent s and nonresid ent s at mostIDNR offices, through various vendorsa ro u n d t h e s t a te, su c h a s s p o r t i n ggoods stores, bait shops and online atifishillinois.org. Fishing licenses areeffective March 1 of the issuing yearand expire March 31 of the followingyear. Fishing license fees vary and aresubject to change. For more information,please call (217) 782-6424. ILLINOIS STATE PARKS13

T H IN G S T O DOin waters other than L ake Michigan.A 24 - hour spor tfishing license, whichincludes trout and salmon fishingprivileges, is available for residents andnonresidents. Nonresidents must buy anonresident sportfishing license to fishin the state. Exceptions include thoseunder age 16, disabled veterans andanglers using fee-fishing areas licensedby the IDNR. Three types of licenses areavailable: annual, three - day, and 24 hour. For more information about fishingregulations, where to purchase a licenseor license fees, call (217) 782-6424.Illinois anglers must have a spor tfishing license in their possession whilefishing (residents under age 16 andthose who are legally blind or disabledare exempt). Resident landowners andtheir tenants may fish without a licensein waters on or flowing over land onwhich they reside. Illinois residents onactive duty in the armed forces may fishwithout a license while on leave.A salmon stamp, signed or affixed toa regular fishing license, is required totake salmon or trout in Lake Michigan.There is a half price senior’s license forthose over 65 and a 1.00 plus handlingfee for those over 75. An inland troutstamp is required for those taking troutShutterstockHATCHERIESThree hatcheries produce approximately12 million fish annually, including chinookand coho salmon, lake, rainbow and browntrout, walleye, sauger, muskie, northernpike, largemouth and smallmouth bass,striped and hybrid-striped bass, crappie,bluegill, redear sunfish and channel andblue catfish. Visit the following facilities:Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery:25410 Fish Hatchery Road, Topeka, IL61567; (309) 968-7531.LaSalle Fish Hatchery: 26 49 North2 1s t R o a d , M a r s e i l l e s , I L 6 13 41;(815) 357-6986.Little Grassy Fish Hatchery: 125 8Hatcher y L ane, M akanda, IL 6 29 5 8;(618) 529-4100.AQUATIC EXOTICSWild turkey hunting is permitted in most ofthe state’s 102 counties.14 ILLINOIS STATE PARKS Exotic species have invaded the lakes andrivers of Illinois, preying on and competingwith native species. Recreational waterusers can unintentionally transfer exoticspecies from one body of water to another.Help prevent the spread of aquatic exoticsby following these steps:

TH I N GS TO D OHUNTERS/ANGLERS Switch to elliptical, bulb-shaped or strapanchors on decoys to avoid collectingsubmerged and floating aquatic plants. Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash oron land. Clean and dry anything that comes incontact with water. Drain water from bait buckets beforeleaving any body of water. Remove mud, plants or animals on boat,boots, anchors, decoy lines and otherequipment.BOATERSBefore leaving the boat launch: Drain boat of all lake or river water. Remove any plants and animals from theboat, trailer and all other equipment.After leaving the boat launch: W a s h a l l e q u i p m e n t w i t h 10 4 º Ftap water or a high-pressure sprayer. Dry all equipment for at least five days. Be a hero, transport zero!HUNTINGIllinois is an exceptional place to huntsm a ll g a m e, w ate r fow l , tu r key a n ddeer. Public hunting areas managed bythe IDNR, along with privately ownedhunt clubs, offer access to thousands ofhunters each year.Portions of Illinois are major winteringgrounds for C anada geese. W ith theCanada goose season extending wellinto January state-wide, these local andmigratory birds provide ample opportunityto waterfowl hunters.A number of public and private huntingareas along the Illinois and Mississippirivers are good sites for hunting mallardsand other ducks.White-tailed deer abound throughoutthe state, and are as large and ro

Here's hoping you plan a day trip to a state park, a weekend at a state park campground or lodge, or a hike in a state forest. Find more details on all our Illinois State Parks have to offer at dnr.illinois.gov. For campsite reservations, log onto reserveamerica.com. Once again, welcome and enjoy your visit to the outdoors in Illinois. Sincerely,