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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
Northern Region
Heidecke State Fish and Wildlife Area
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HEIDECKE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA
HEIDECKE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA
5010 N. Jugtown Rd.
Morris, Illinois   60450

Phone: 815-942-6352
Email: park email button icon
Located southeast of Morris, Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is managed by the Department of Natural Resources for fishing and hunting. DNR has leased Heidecke Lake since 1978, when it was built as a cooling lake for the Collins power plant, which is now owned and operated by Midwest Generation. The lake provides more than 1,300 acres of prime fishing opportunities.
Nature of the Area
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

Adjacent to Heidecke Lake is the biggest prairie remnant remaining in the Prairie State, and one of the largest prairies in the United States. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, totaling 2,527 acres, provides a link with Illinois' past.

Nearly 60 percent of Illinois was once covered with tall prairie grasses and broad-leaved flowering plants, known as forbs. Big bluestem, Indian grass, switch grass and cord grass dominated much of the landscape, accented by goldenrod, New England asters, cream false indigo and shooting star. Today in Illinois, only a tiny fraction of one percent of land remains as high quality, original prairie. Consequently, Goose Lake Prairie is of historical and natural importance. It is a reminder of the terrain encountered by Native Americans and early settlers. It also serves as a haven for wildlife, including wild ducks and geese, rare Henslow's sparrows, plains pocket gophers and larger animals such as deer and coyote.
Visitors Center
To increase your understanding and appreciation for Goose Lake Prairie, its Visitor Center features nature displays and multi-media presentations. Different programs are presented throughout the year, with a schedule available at the information counter. Groups providing advance notice can arrange videos, lectures and guided hikes with the park interpreter. Call (815) 942-2899 for more information.
Park Store
Concession

A concession near the boat-launching area rents boats and motors. The concessionaire also sells bait and food.
Cabins
The Youth Conservation Corps built a replica of one of the first homes in Grundy County for display at Goose Lake Prairie. John and Agnes Cragg and their six children lived in the original cabin, which was built in the late 1830s near the town of Mazon. Nicknamed "The Palace" because of its two-story design, the home served as a stop on the Old Chicago-Bloomington Teamster Trail, making it the predecessor to a truck stop.
Camping
Overnight camping is not available at Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Check the Visitor Center at adjacent Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area for information on nearby public and private campgrounds.
Boating
Only boats for fishing or waterfowl hunting are allowed on the lake. Each must have a gasoline-powered motor as its main propulsion unit. There is no charge for launching. No water skiing, swimming, wading, sailboating or personal watercraft is allowed.



Trails
Hikers have many options. The Tallgrass Nature Trail winds through the prairie and its marshes. Depending on the route, Prairie View Trail can be from 1 or 3.5 miles long. Self-guiding trail maps are available.
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiers enjoy Goose Lake Prairie in the winter. The Visitor Center, which serves as a warming area, offers trail maps.

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Area Campgrounds
Fossil Rock Recreation Area
24615 West Strip Mine Road
Wilmington, IL
815-476-6784
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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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.
38.7 miles from park*
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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...
34.2 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From I-55 to exit 240 Lorenzo Road/Pine Bluff Road travel west approximately 7.5 miles to Jugtown Road. Turn north on to Jugtown Road and travel 1 mile to stop sign. Go straight and enter Heidecke Lake.

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Illinois
54

Illinois State Parks

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