Nature's bounty has
conspired to produce a natural beauty and source of recreation greatly
prized by generations of Midwesterners at Siloam Springs State Park, just
minutes east of Quincy.
The beautifully wooded
terrain, sparkling lake, and carefully maintained facilities make this
3,323 acre site one of the most beautiful parks in Illinois. It's an ideal
setting for outdoor visits, whether your interest is hunting, fishing,
camping, boating, picnicking, hiking or bird watching. The park is surrounded
by luxuriantly forested gullies and scenic crests alive with wild roses,
black-eyed Susans, white false indigo and snapdragons.
History
Originally part of
the "military tract" of western Illinois (land set aside to
be given to combat veterans), the area was acquired in 1852 by George
Meyers for his service in the Black Hawk and Mexican wars. He died in
1882 at the age of 102. Legend has it that spring water in the area had
a medicinal effect, thus the name Siloam Springs from a Biblical reference,
so-called by the Rev. Reuben K. McCoy, who had discovered the springs
following the Civil War.
After
Meyers' death, Quincy Burgesser, a local businessman and stock dealer,
became aware of the springs and their "curative value." He had
the water analyzed and discovered it had more "strength" (a
higher mineral content) than water from the famous Eureka and Waukesha
springs.
Burgesser touted the
water's ability to cure almost all ailments, even drunkenness and drug
addiction. By 1884 he had erected two spring houses, a bathing house and
the Siloam Forest Home Hotel, and the area became a popular and fashionable
resort. Water from the No. 2 spring was bottled and distributed as far
west as Kansas City and bottling became a flourishing business for several
decades.
In 1935, the Siloam
Springs Recreation Club purchased the site in an effort to restore it
and provide a place of recreation for the local population. Citizens of
Adams and Brown counties raised money to match state funds and by 1940
an agreement was reached to make it a state recreation area. Eventually,
the old hotel and bath houses were torn down, the swimming pool abandoned
and the springs no longer were used. The No. 2 spring house was rebuilt
in 1995 and contains the most popular spring.
In 1954 and 1955,
an earthen dam was constructed across a deep ravine and the 58-acre lake
was created. In 1956 Siloam Springs was dedicated as a state park, and
efforts began to develop its recreational facilities.
Picnicking
Old Siloam picnic
area provides visitors with four shelters, charcoal grills, rest rooms,
shaded tables and playground equipment. The main shelter house, which
holds more than 20 tables, also provides flush toilets, hot and cold water,
grills, playground equipment, plenty of parking and a set of horseshoe
pits. In addition, there are several other smaller areas scattered along
the park entrance road providing tables and grills.
Camping
If you want to spend
a night or two under the stars, there are 98 Class A camp sites featuring
rest rooms, showers and electricity, 84 Class B camp sites featuring showers
and rest rooms, and four backpack camp sites, in addition to a special
group campground. There is a centrally located shower facility available
to all campers. For campsite reservations please visit www.reserveamerica.com
Horse
Trails and Equestrian Camping
The park contains
equestrian trails totaling 23 miles, covering ridgetops and steep wooded
valleys. There is a separate camping area for riders and their mounts,
with water and limited electricity. Horse rentals are not available.
Concession
Boat and Canoe rentals,
a variety of bait and tackle, snack foods, soda and sandwiches are available
on a seasonal basis from the concession stand by the lake, phone 217-894-6271.
Fishing
The lake is stocked
with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and green sunfish, carp, crappie,
channel catfish and rainbow trout. An Illinois fishing license and an
Inland Trout stamp are required and should be purchased before arriving
at the park. Designated as a fish preserve by the Department of Natural
Resources, only sport fishing tackle is allowed, and anglers may not use
more than two poles and four hooks. There are six fishing piers around
the lake as well as bank fishing.
Boating
Row boats and canoes
may be rented, and there is a launching ramp for private
craft. Only electric motors are allowed, no outboards.
Hiking
Hiking the Siloam
Springs trails brings you closer to the many wildflowers found throughout
the park, including wild roses, snapdragons and black-eyed Susans. There
are about 12 miles of scenic hiking trails that go from valleys to flatlands
throughout the park, including a combination 6-mile hiking and backpacking
trail. Most trails are easy, but Hoot Owl at 1.5 miles and Red Oak backpack
trail at 4 miles are moderate. Four primitive camp sites are also available
for those who wish to hike to them.
When
game populations justify, in-season hunting is available. Please contact
the park office for species, shooting times, opening dates and areas opened.
Winter
Sports
Winter
activities include ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and
sledding.
Directions
From Quincy, IL, Take
IL Rte 104 9 miles East to County Road 1200 N. Follow signs 12 miles to
County Road 2873E, then South 3 miles to park entrance. Park Office is
1.5 miles from entrance. Park signs in place from Rte. 104 to park entrance.
From Springfield,
IL, Take I 72 West to Griggsville and go North on Rte 107 for 11 miles.
There, turn west on Rte.104 for 15 miles to County Road 2873E. Turn North
for 6 miles to park entrance. Office is 1.5 miles from entrance. Park
signs in place from Rte. 104 to the park entrance.
From Peoria, IL, Take
US Rte. 24 to just outside of Clayton. There, turn South on County Road
2950E then South 10 miles to Kellerville, then West on 1200N 1 mile. Then
to County Road 2873 South for 3 miles to park entrance. Park office is
1.5 miles from entrance. Park signs in place from Rte. 24 to park entrance.
- While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
conflicts.
- At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.
- Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.
- We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
- For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity,
Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
- Telecommunication Device
for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175
for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
|
