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Donnelley/DePue State Park
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DONNELLEY/DEPUE STATE PARK
DONNELLEY/DEPUE STATE PARK
1001 W. 4th St.
DePue, Illinois   61322

Phone: 815-447-2353
Email: park email button icon
The Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Areas complex is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Frank C. Bellrose, world-renown waterfowl expert, has designated this Great Bend as the entry point to the lower Illinois River valley, an important North American waterfowl migration corridor.

The Donnelley/DePue complex is home to a $1 million State Duck Stamp Project, which was funded through State Duck Stamp dollars, State of Illinois Capital Development Board funds and Ducks Unlimited M.A.R.S.H. contributions. This project greatly increases the complex's ability to provide significant sanctuary with dependable food resources as well as increased services to the high hunting demands of northern Illinois.

The state wildlife areas established here contain a variety of wetland habitats that have always been critical to migratory waterfowl. Consequently, much of the 3,015-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting and viewing.
Nature of the Area
In 1982, Windblown Bottoms Duck Club, containing Coleman Lake, came under state management through the gifts and efforts of Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley.

Located in Putnam County, 2 miles north of Hennepin on Putnam County Highway 1, Donnelley Wildlife Area is open to the public during waterfowl season and open to school and study groups by appointment. Most of the year it is managed primarily for wildlife needs, and is therefore closed to public use.

Depue State Fish Wildlife Area:

Lake DePue and Spring Lake in Bureau County have rich histories of commercial hunting and fishing, attesting to the wildlife bounty of the area.

The DePue Rod and Gun Club was organized in the early 1900s, and it was not long before the hunting reputation of the area attracted members from around Illinois. When the state acquired the property in 1970, the clubhouse gun racks still carried well-known names of some past governors and influential businessmen.

Over the years the state has added several properties, bringing the backwater lakes and wetlands to 2,350 acres available for waterfowl needs and water-based recreation. The village of DePue offers access to Lake DePue. DePue and Spring lakes are accessible from the Illinois River, depending on the river levels.

Hiking, photography and nature study attract visitors to nearby Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve.

Two of the state areas in Putnam County are managed by the Putnam County Conservation District. Hiking and equestrian trails are available at Fox Run, while George S. Memorial Park is restricted to nature study.

Nearby Accommodations
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Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
16.6 miles from park*
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Cottages and Cabins
Within a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock and even closer to Matthiessen State Parks you will find a gorgeous, tranquil property with spacious cabins on 50 wooded acres. All with full kitchens and outdoor fire pits. 3 dog friendly.
15.7 miles from park*
Boating
The park offers a wide range of boating options for visitors. There are two main bodies of water, the 200-acre Lake DePue and several backwater areas which provide ample space for various types of boats. The lake is suitable for motorized boats with no horsepower limit while smaller crafts like canoes or kayaks would be ideal in the quieter backwaters. A boat ramp is available to facilitate easy access into the waters and there's also an area designated specifically for sailboats.
Fishing
The park offers both bank and boat fishing. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and northern pike.

Boat ramps are available for easy water access.

Ice fishing is permitted when conditions allow it.

Fishing tournaments often take place here due to the diverse species present in the waters.


Location
Donnelley/DePue State Park is located near La Salle, Peru and Princeton

Picnicking
Donnelley/DePue State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Restrooms are nearby, but visitors must bring their own food.
Bicycling
In this Illinois location, biking options are available but limited. Be aware of the park's terrain before setting out.

The majority of trails here aren't specifically designed for bicycles. Exercise caution when cycling on these paths.

There is a lack of dedicated bike lanes or paved routes in this area which can make bicycling challenging at times.

Bicyclists should be prepared to share multi-use trails with hikers and wildlife, always maintaining respectful distances for safety reasons.

While there isn't an extensive network of bicycle-friendly tracks, some gravel roads within the site may accommodate cyclists cautiously exploring nature's beauty.

Remember that helmets and other protective gear are strongly recommended due to uneven surfaces and potential obstacles along your route.

Please note: off-trail riding is not permitted as it could harm local flora/fauna; stick strictly to designated pathways only!

Lastly, ensure you have adequate water supplies since facilities might be sparse depending upon where you choose to cycle inside the reserve boundaries.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species spotted, including waterfowl and shorebirds. Birdwatchers can explore wetlands, forests and grassland habitats. The site is a designated Important Bird Area by Audubon Society due to its significance for migrating birds. It's also part of the Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge system which attracts large numbers of migratory birds annually.
Area Attractions
Hormel Landing:

Located adjacent to the village of Bureau Junction in Bureau County, Hormel Landing offers a pleasant location for family outings.

Originally, the Hormel Co. had built three impoundments as processing ponds for a meat-packing plant. When Hormel selected a different plant site, the land and ponds were transferred to the state.

The ponds are nestled in a secluded basin surrounded by wooden bluffs, marshland, the Hennepin Canal and a bottomland woods that beavers have flooded. The setting is relaxing and invites one to explore its diversity.

A state fish-stocking program supplements the ponds' natural restocking that results whenever the Illinois River exceeds its banks.

The entrance and upper level playground area are jointly cared for and developed by the Bureau United Men's Society and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Miller-Anderson Woods:

Along Route 29, at the Bureau-Putnam County border, wooded bluffs rise above the broad Illinois River valley to create Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve. The preserve protects old-growth upland forest, ravines, valley forest and a floating bog.

A narrow, ribbon-marked, moderately difficult trail guides one through the woodland variety which displays endangered plants and Ohio buckeye in its most northern range.

Once on top and near the bluff's edge, one is treated to a panoramic view of some of the Illinois River valley's richest wetlands. Very often seen riding the air currents are turkey vultures and, occasionally, bald eagles.

Much of the preserve was donated to the state and dedicated to Dorothy Anderson in 1969. Groups of 25 or more need advance, written permission to enter this protected area.

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Area Campgrounds
Condit's Ranch
7597 Log Cabin Road
Putnam, IL
815-437-2226
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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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.
71.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
To reach DONNELLEY, take I-80 to I-39. Head south to Exit Route 71. Turn west (right). Exit at Route 26 south to Hennepin. Take Putnam County Highway 1 north for 2 miles to the park.

TO reach DEPUE, take Interstate 80. Exit at Spring Valley (Route 89) and go south to Route 29. Turn west (right) for five miles. Turn south at DePue sign (Marquette Road) Follow Marquette Road through town to first stop sign. Turn left (Depot Street). At next stop sign, turn left (4th Street). Office is located at the end of the road.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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