Area

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, located along nearly 10 miles of scenic Illinois River backwaters, bottomlands and bluffs, lies in the heart of the mallard duck flyway and supports a wide variety of animals, plants and outdoor pursuits.

With an initial land purchase in 1925, the area has grown to include approximately 6,000 acres, of which half is land and half is water divided into three units.

The largest of these is the Marshall Unit, consisting of 3,000 acres east of the Illinois River and adjacent to Route 26. The area headquarters is found here, along with a small campground, boat ramp, fishing channel, hunter check station and hiking trails. Terrain varies from ravine-cut bluffs to bottomland lakes, islands and sloughs.

The Spring Beach Unit contains 1,642 acres (537 acres of water) on the west side of the Illinois River between Sparland and Chillicothe. The unit falls in both Marshall and Peoria counties. There is a 6-acre picnic area, fishing, and access to hunting and hiking trails adjacent to Route 29. The habitat ranges from upland forest to riverbottom to cropland.

The Sparland Unit, the smallest of the three, consists of 1,280 acres, of which 1,110 acres are water. Lying between Route 29 and the Illinois River, Sparland is predominantly used as a waterfowl hunting area, although at times fishing is quite popular. The backwater is very shallow and boat access is difficult during low water.

Natural Features

On the east side of Route 26 and the west side of Route 29 are high bluffs containing heavy hardwood timber of oaks, hickories and walnuts interspersed with wildflowers and shrubs. Wildlife includes red, gray and flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, rabbits and other woodland species. Songbirds, owls and hawks are common, particularly during migrations.

Bottomland forests and the backwater lakes comprise the majority of the area. Found here is a wide variety of fauna and flora. Cottonwood, silver maple and willow cover much of the low-lying land, including several large islands. River bullrush and other moist-soil plants thrive at the water’s edge. Deer, raccoon, muskrat, mink and beaver find this habitat to their liking and can sometimes be observed at dawn and dusk. A number of beaver dams dot the backwaters and these are good spots to watch wildlife.

While not as attractive to wildlife as they once were due to heavy siltation, the backwater lakes still attract large flights of waterfowl during migration. Only the brightly colored wood duck, common to the area, remains during the summer to nest and raise its young.

The tall and stately great blue heron also is ground on the backwaters in large numbers, occasionally as many as 75 of these birds can be spotted fishing in the shallow waters at one time. And during winter it is not unusual to see bald eagles soaring above the frozen lakes or perched atop some snag.

Facilities

Picnicking - A day-use area with tables, shelters and stoves (no drinking water) is located in the Spring Beach Unit, two miles south of Sparland on Route 29. A smaller picnic area is found along Route 26, 5 miles south of Lacon, near the campground.

Camping - Tent and trailer spaces with electricity and water are available. Canoe camping is permitted on the islands except during waterfowl hunting season. Camping permits must be obtained.

Boating - The site provides a free launching ramp. There is no horsepower limit.

Fishing - All fishing is done on the Illinois River and its backwaters. Bluegill, crappie, bullhead and channel catfish are the most frequently caught fish. More experienced anglers can catch largemouth bass. A manmade half-mile-long channel near the campground is popular for fishing.

Hunting - Upland and forest game hunting opportunities exist in designated wildlife management areas. Shotgun and bow and arrow hunting are permitted. There is no hunting in recreation areas. Waterfowl hunting is available by permit and is restricted to designated blind sites. A hunting fact sheet is available by mail, from the site office, or by clicking below:

Duck Ranch | Spring Turkey  |  Upland  |  Waterfowl Marshall Unit  |  Waterfowl Sparland Unit

Trails - A marked, 3.5-mile combination hiking, cross-country ski and hunter access trail is available for public use. Please contact the site for a trail brochure.

Winter Sports - Cross-country skiing, backpacking and ice fishing are permitted on the frozen backwaters after the conclusion of waterfowl hunting season. The 3.5-mile trail takes skiers through wooded bluffs.

Directions

Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area can be reached from I-80 and I-74.
If traveling on I-80, take the I-39 exit at LaSalle and go south. Go approximately 25 miles until you reach the Lacon/IL Rt. 17 exit. Go west on Rt. 17 for 20 miles to Lacon where Rt. 17 intersects IL Rt. 26. Head south on Rt. 26 for 5 miles. Brown highway signs will announce the area.
If traveling north on I-74, follow IL Rt. 116 (on the east side of the Illinois River, near East Peoria) approximately 5 miles north to IL Rt. 26. Turn left on Rt. 26 and go north for 18 miles. Brown highway signs will announce the area.

• 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.