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For wildflowers, fresh foliage and soothing
breezes in the spring...picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and fishing
in the summer...appreciating the brilliant hues of autumn's colorful plumage...or
ice skating and ice fishing in the brisk, blue winter...Red Hills State
Park is waiting for you.
In southeastern Illinois midway between Olney
and Lawrenceville on U.S. 50, Red Hills is a carefully preserved and maintained
967-acres of high wooded hills, deep ravines, captivating meadows and
year-round springs. It's the perfect setting for natural relaxation and
outdoor activities. The sparkling 40-acre lake is ideal for fishing and
boating.
Pause to enjoy the spectacular scenic view
from atop Red Hills-- the highest point of land between St. Louis and
Cincinnati -- and the 120-foot tower and cross rising from its summit,
this unspoiled sanctuary from everyday life provides a great opportunity
to relax and rediscover nature.
A satellite area of the park, the 627-acre
Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve, contains the best remaining example of
what is called a Wabash Border Marsh Ecosystem, with marshes, dry and
wet prairie, lush bottomland forest and thriving riverline communities.
During late July and early August beautiful pink and white hibiscus and
hairy rose mallow are in bloom.
Veterans' Point is a one-quarter acre parcel
of land that is available to local veteran groups to honor ex-servicemen
of all wars and to provide a place for their gatherings.
History
The park is an important historical crossroad,
the western most edge of the first land in Illinois ceded by Native Americans
to the United States. The borderline runs through the park from southwest
to northeast, and was set by a treaty made in 1795 at Greenville, Ohio,
by General Anthony Wayne whereby Native Americans relinquished all claims
to the land northwest of the Ohio River and east of a specified line.
The area was called Vincennes Tract. The western boundary running through
the park was known as the Indian boundary line and is marked by decided
jogs which corresponded to the original survey line.
The area was bisected by the Old Cahokia
Trace, commonly known as the "Trace Road," which ran east and
west just north of what is now U.S. 50, and was for many years the principal
route from historic Vincennes, IN, to St. Louis and the west.
A dam constructed across Muddy Creek, a tributary
of the Embarras (pronounced "Ambraw") River in 1953 created
the 40-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and 2.5 miles of shoreline.
Since then, the park has grown to its present
size, and development and improvement of its recreational facilities has
been continuous.
Picnicking
For family outings, what better way to spend
a day than to have a picnic. Red Hills has pleasant, shaded picnic areas
throughout the park, with tables and grills. There are three picnic shelters
for large gatherings, two reservable and one first-come, first-serve,
and six playgrounds for the kids. All areas are convenient to parking
lots. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Camping
For longer stays,
there are more than 100 Class A campsites with vehicular access that provide
electricity, a sanitary dump station, water and access to a modern handicapped-accessible
building with showers and flush toilets. Some sites are pull-through with
50 amp service.
Handicapped
sites are also available. In addition, there is a primitive tent camping
area, rent-a-camp cabin, an equestrian campground and, in the North Park,
a youth group tent camping area. Camping permits must be obtained from
the park staff.
Trails
Eight miles of refreshing, scenic trails
of moderate difficulty wind through the park, where the vibrant colors
of redheaded woodpeckers, bluejays and wild canaries can be seen.
Hiking
For the intermediate hiker, Indian Treaty,
Robin, Valley Springs and Tulip trail loops overlap each other on the
hilly north side of U.S. Route 50 for about 3 miles. There is also a 5-mile
trail for horseback riding and bicycling when soil conditions permit.
 Horseback
Riding
Trails can be used by both equestrians and
bicyclists. Check with park staff for open dates. A Class C equestrian
campground is available. A local Saddle Club hosts horse shows once a
month from April - October at the Red Hills Arena.
Fishing
and Boating
A paved road circles the lake, and bank fishing
for largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill is very popular.
A boat launch is available, however, gas motors are not allowed.
Winter sports
In the winter months,
when the ice is thick enough, you can go ice fishing and enjoy ice skating
on the lake. There are also sledding opportunities.
Hunting
Squirrel, dove, woodcock, quail and rabbit
are plentiful in season. Archery deer hunting is also permitted. There
is a check station where all hunters must check in and out. Consult the
park staff for specific information about shooting times and opening dates.
Red Hills Hunter
Fact Sheet | Chauncey
Marsh Hunter Fact Sheet
 Trace
Inn
The restaurant is open year-round offering
a spectacular four seasons overlook of Red Hills Lake and the surrounding
hardwood forest. Fine dining is enhanced by the rustic atmosphere of a
rural decor, antiques and creative seasonal decorations. The Holiday Banquet
Room provides dining for an additional 50 guests and can be booked for
private parties and meetings. Visitors to the Trace Inn will also enjoy
a unique craft, collectibles, and antique shop. For more information call
(618) 936-2352 or visit www.redhillstraceinn.com
Local Attractions
Please visit www.southeastillinois.com for local attractions which include wineries and golf courses.
Directions
Red Hills State Park is located in Lawrence
County on US Rt #50 between Olney and Lawrenceville near the town of Sumner.
From US Rt #41 at Vincennes, Indiana, the
park is located 18 miles west on Rt. 50.
From the junction of I-57 and Rt. 50 at Salem
the park is located 65 miles east.
From the junction of IL Rt 1 and Rt. 50 at
Lawrenceville the park is 8 miles west.
From Chicago take I-57 to Mattoon. Go east
on Rt. 16 to Charleston, then take Rt. 130 south to Olney, and travel
east on Rt. 50 to the park.
- 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 Commerce and Community
Affairs' 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.
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