Weinberg-King
State Fish and Wildlife Area is an area of rolling hills with a meandering
creek in western Illinois. The 772-acre State Fish & Wildlife Area,
including a 4-acre pond, is in Schuyler County 3 miles east of Augusta
north of Route 101.
Mrs. Gertrude K. Allen
presented a deed for about 500 acres of this land to the State of Illinois
in May 1968. An additional 295 acres was purchased by the Department of
Natural Resources.
History
The late Mrs. Allen
presented the deed for the property to Conservation Department officials
in an informal ceremony held in her home in Augusta. She had indicated
a desire for some time to do something in memory of her parents, the late
Fredrick M. and Fredricka Weinberg King and her three brothers, Jacob
Weinberg King, Harry M. King and L. Edson King. Max Weinberg, a Quincy
attorney and a cousin of Mrs. Allen, made arrangements for the land to
be given to the state in accordance with the wish of the 85-year-old benefactor.
The legislature honored this wish for a family memorial by officially
naming the area Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area.
 The
land, estimated to be worth more than $250,000, had been owned by
the Allen family since 1905. Most of the land was not cultivated
but was maintained as a permanent pasture. The 295-acre farm purchased
from Paul Dennis was partly in cultivation and contained the 3.8-acre
farm pond. Dennis previously operated a commercial poultry products
cannery and the "turkey houses" fronting the highway were
landmarks in the area until they were removed to make way for the
new road into the Fish & Wildlife Area.
Natural
Features
The terrain
is rolling with steep hillsides. Williams Creek picturesquely meanders
through the park for about 2 miles. The average depth of the creek
is about 3 feet. The majority of mature trees are locust and osage
orange, although pines, autumn olive, honeysuckle, oak and walnut
trees have been planted. Many wildflowers are found on the hillsides
and along the creek.
Dove, quail,
and songbirds familiar to the area may be observed. The fox squirrel
and rabbit are plentiful and a deer and turkey is frequently seen.
Picnicking
There are four picnic
areas with tables and park stoves. Parking lots and pit toilets are nearby.
Water is available at two drinking hydrants and playground equipment is
provided.
Trails
Horseback riders
will find 30 miles of good trail through the Fish & Wildlife
Area. Snowmobiling is allowed during the winter months.
 Camping
In the equestrian area, there is a class B/E campground open to equestrian campers. The campground has 19 electrical hook-ups and pads. There is also a non-electric Class C campground available for all other non-equestrian campers.
Fishing
Williams Creek
contains bluegill, bullhead, channel catfish and smallmouth bass
for bank fishermen. Three ponds are also available to fish in.
Hunting
Most of the
Fish & Wildlife Area is available for upland game hunting in
season. Consult the park ranger for information concerning shooting
times and opening dates for various game. Weinberg-King Hunter
Fact Sheet | Scripps
Unit Hunter Fact Sheet
|
