Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area is a 2,376 acre site located along the Rock River west of Prophetstown. The area has approximately 250 acres of upland forest, with the remainder of the property a mix native grassland, tree plantings, tracts of woods, two oxbows and several small wetlands and marshes occurring along the flat, bottomland ground.

Big Bend offers limited hiking and fishing opportunities, with the site’s primary focus hunting programs. Habitat enhancement programs include annual food patches scattered over the area and rows of sunflower, corn, and soybeans left standing along the edges of agricultural fields. Available game species include dove, squirrel, deer (archery only), turkey (heritage youth, spring and fall archery), pheasant, quail, rabbit, Hungarian partridge, woodcock, rail, snipe, crow, raccoon, opossum, fox (red and gray), coyote and skunk. For additional information reference the Hunter Fact Sheet or contact the Prophetstown State Park office.

Directions

Big Bend can be reached from I-80 or I-88, exiting onto IL Rt. 78. From I-88 proceed south (from I-80 proceed north) to Prophetstown, turning west on 5th Street. At the edge of town where 5th Street intersects with Spring Hill Road, veer left (west) onto Spring hill Road 2 miles, then turn right onto Van Damme Road. Proceed 1 mile to the site 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 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.