UPDATE: Please call the park office for current
trail conditions (309/446-3758). Trails may be temporarily closed under
certain weather conditions.
Jubilee College State Park is a 3,200-acre facility, located in Peoria
County between the towns of Kickapoo and Brimfield, just off U.S. Route
150. This scenic area, with its rolling topography and meandering Jubilee
Creek, offers various outdoor recreational opportunities.
History
Named Jubilee College
by its founder, Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase in 1839, in expression
of his thankfulness and joy, the college was one of the earliest educational
enterprises in Illinois. Through a series of misfortunes climaxed by the
Bishop's death, the college closed in 1862. In 1933 the college and grounds,
consisting of 93 acres, were presented to the state of Illinois. Since
that time the Department of Natural Resources increased the acreage to
3,200. The college building, placed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1972, has been restored to its original appearance and is under
the management of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Contact the
site for information at: Jubilee College State Historic Site,
11817 Jubilee College Rd., Brimfield, IL 61517, 309.243.9489, E-Mail
The park continues
to flourish with the development of a new campground, day-use facilities,
along with an entrance road and interior roads that now link the park
and the college area.
Natural
Features
Jubilee is situated
in the Illinoisan drift-plain, and is deeply eroded into many complex
valley systems, from near-level ridgetops and floodplains to steep slope
ravines. Bedrock exposures are numerous and include shale, sandstone,
limestone and coal. The highest elevation is 660 feet. The topography
and Jubilee Creek constitute an aesthetically pleasing environment for
outdoor recreation activities, and provide habitat for numerous wildlife
and fish species. Visitors may see deer, rabbits, squirrel, fox, coyote
and raccoon throughout the forests, while the creek may offer glimpses
of mink, muskrat and beaver.
Over 160 species of
birds are present, and wild turkeys, stocked in 1988, call Jubilee home.
Jubilee Creek is a
tributary to Kickapoo Creek that passes through the park from northwest
to southeast. It is characterized by deep pools and fast riffles. The
average width is 40 feet and average depth is four inches. Fish species
of interest to anglers include smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish and
carp. Swimming is prohibited in the creek.
Picnicking
Several large picnic areas are located throughout the park's interior.
Each area includes a shelter with electricity, picnic tables, charcoal
grills, playground equipment, water hydrants and toilet facilities. Winter
picnicking is permitted but some areas are closed.
Camping
| Map | Camping Fees
Campground facilities,
open from April 15 to November 1, accommodate recreational vehicles or
tents and include a shower building with flush toilets, a trailer dump
station, graveled pads, and grills, water hydrants and primitive toilets.
Campsites are Class A electric and Class C w/showers.
Groups are welcome. Permits are required and can be obtained from
the site staff or campground host. Reservations are no longer being
accepted.
Winter Camping
In the main camping
area, Coyote Cove loop is open with Class B sites with electric, and primitive
privies. No running water is available.
Equestrian
Facilities
An equestrian camping
area is located at the north end of the park. Twenty-five miles of horseback
riding trails originate from the camping area. Horse rentals are not available.
The area includes drinking water, toilet facilities, a shelter house,
picnic tables, grills and a pay phone. Campsites are Class B/S ($10.00).
Overnight campers must self register at the self pay station located in
the equestrian campground.
Fishing
Limited fishing is
available in Jubilee Creek and in two ponds, one of which is stocked yearly.
Vehicular access is not available.
Winter
Sports
The rolling terrain
provides an excellent opportunity for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Several miles of trails are marked and groomed for skiing when the snowfall
is sufficient. Snowmobiling is permitted on marked portions of equestrian
trails during the daylight hours, when there is a four-inch snow base.
Hunting
Approximately 1400
acres are available for hunting. Hunters are required to register at the
check station. Deer and turkey hunting is bow and arrow only, although
shotgun can be used for other game. Contact the park office for information
and species, hunting times and dates. For more information see Hunter
Fact Sheet
Please help preserve
our natural heritage for all to enjoy. Put all litter in the nearest trash
receptacle. All pets must be on a 10-foot-or-less leash. Jubilee is a
place for the co-existence of nature and recreation.
Directions
Jubilee College State
Park can be reached from I-74.
Eastbound: Brimfield Exit #75, left to US Rte 150. Then turn right on
US Rte 150 and go 4 miles to park entrance on left.
Westbound: Kickapoo-Edwards
Exit #82, right 1.5 miles to Kickapoo. Then left onto US Rte 150 for 4
miles to park entrance on right.
- 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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