Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area, an Illinois located nearby Canton, Peoria

BANNER MARSH STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA

BANNER MARSH STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA
19721 N. US 24
Canton, Illinois 61520

Phone: 309-647-9184
Email:

Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Peoria on U.S. Route 24 and is protected from the Illinois River by a major levee.Teeming with fish and wildlife, Banner Marsh provides various outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, dog training, picnicking, wildlife observation and photography.There are three public access areas leading into Banner Marsh, all of which have parking lots, boat ramps, restrooms and picnic areas.The only type of camping allowed at Banner Marsh is youth group camping. However, nearby Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area has camping facilities available.

History of the Area

Prior to the Department of Natural Resources purchasing tracts of land bordering the Illinois River in Fulton and Peoria counties during the 1980s, the area underwent several land use changes, including farming and surface coal mining.

Today, the area known as Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area serves as a 4,363-acre freshwater marsh. The site's 200-plus water bodies, in conjunction with its vast acres of land, provide excellent habitat for migrating and local waterfowl, numerous species of gamefish and other wildlife, while providing opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts.

Camping

Youth Group Camping

There are no camping facilities at Banner Marsh. However, walk-in or boat-in camping is available to youth groups. Arrangements must be made at the Rice Lake office in advance.

Area Accommodations

Kishauwau on the Vermilion - Tonica, IL

Cottages and Cabins

Formerly a popular Boy Scout camp in the shadow of Starved Rock State Park. Rental luxury cottages for weekend, weeknight, and all-week getaways. Pet-friendly cabins with full kitchens, local shopping and dining, and secluded living await you for your anniversary, family reunion, honeymoon, or other special occasion.

Web Site: http://www.kishauwau.com

Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL

Hotels/Motels

You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.

Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com

Boating

The site's three public boat ramps, located in different areas of Banner Marsh, offer visitors easy access as well as scenic views of the area. Row boats, canoes and small motor boats are all popular watercraft at Banner Marsh.

Jet skis, water skiing, swimming and operation of boat motors in excess of 25 horsepower are all prohibited at the area.

Rice Lake/Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Areas are both accessible by US Rte 24. Both sites are well signed with Banner Marsh providing four access points and Rice Lake one.

Traveling from the north, via I-55 to Bloomington-Normal, take I-74 west to 474 which will bypass Peoria to the south. Exit 474 onto US Rte 24 west, travel approximately 15 miles on US Rte 24 west to access Banner Marsh and approximately 20 miles to the entrance to Rice Lake.

Traveling from the south, you can access these sites by utilizing these same routes.

Traveling from the east or west, travelers may utilize US Rte 136 to state routes 78 & 97, one miles west of Havana. Travel north approximately five miles to US Rte 24, then approximately 12 miles to the Rice Lake entrance and 17 miles to the Banner Marsh entrance.