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Red Hills State Park
Red Hills State Park Pastel Cove © J Anthony Shuff
As summer gives way to fall, this cove offers up a pastel palette of colors at Red Hill State Park in Lawrence Co., Illinois.
Red Hills State Park Color Change © J Anthony Shuff
Early autumn view of Illinois Red Hill State Park lake scene.
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RED HILLS STATE PARK
RED HILLS STATE PARK
1100 N. & 400 E. R.R. 2 Box 252A
Sumner, Illinois   62466

Phone: 618-936-2469
Reservations: 618-936-2469
Email: park email button icon
For wildflowers, fresh foliage and soothing breezes in the spring...picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and fishing in the summer...appreciating the brilliant hues of autumn's colorful plumage...or ice skating and ice fishing in the brisk, blue winter...Red Hills State Park is waiting for you.

In southeastern Illinois midway between Olney and Lawrenceville on U.S. 50, Red Hills is a carefully preserved and maintained 948-acres of high wooded hills, deep ravines, captivating meadows and year-round springs. It's the perfect setting for natural relaxation and outdoor activities. The sparkling 40-acre lake is ideal for fishing and boating.

Dominated by Red Hill itself -- the highest point of land between St. Louis and Cincinnati -- and the 120-foot tower and cross rising from its summit, this unspoiled sanctuary from everyday life provides a great opportunity to relax and rediscover nature.

An open-air tabernacle at the base of the tower -- financed and constructed by area residents cooperating with an interdenominational council -- services are held on Sunday evening during the summer. A popular activity since 1943 has been the annual Easter sunrise services.

A satellite area of the park, the 565-acre Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve, contains the best remaining example of what is called a Wabash Border Marsh Ecosystem, with marshes, dry and wet prairie, lush bottomland forest and thriving riverline communities. During late July and early August beautiful pink and white hibiscus and hairy rose mallow are in bloom.

Veterans' Point is a one-quarter acre parcel of land that is available to local veteran groups to honor ex-servicemen of all wars and to provide a place for their gatherings.
History of the Area
The park is an important historical crossroad, the western most edge of the first land in Illinois ceded by Native Americans to the United States. The borderline runs through the park from southwest to northeast, and was set by a treaty made in 1795 at Greenville, Ohio, by General Anthony Wayne whereby Native Americans relinquished all claims to the land northwest of the Ohio River and east of a specified line. The area was called Vincennes Tract. The western boundary running through the park was known as the Indian boundary line and is marked by decided jogs which corresponded to the original survey line.

The area was bisected by the Old Cahokia Trace, commonly known as the "Trace Road," which ran east and west just north of what is now U.S. 50, and was for many years the principal route from historic Vincennes, IN, to St. Louis and the west.

A dam constructed across Muddy Creek, a tributary of the Embarras (pronounced "Ambraw") River in 1953 created the 40-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and 2.5 miles of shoreline.

Since then, the park has grown to its present size, and development and improvement of its recreational facilities has been continuous.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
For longer stays, there are more than 100 Class A campsites with vehicular access that provide electricity, a sanitary dump station, water and access to a modern handicapped-accessible building with showers and flush toilets. Some sites are pull-through with 50 amp service.

Handicapped sites are also available. In addition, there is a primitive tent camping area, rent-a-camp cabin, an equestrian campground and, in the North Park, a youth group tent camping area. Camping permits must be obtained from the park staff.
Lodge
The restaurant is open year-round offering a spectacular four seasons overlook of Red Hills Lake and the surrounding hardwood forest. Fine dining is enhanced by the rustic atmosphere of a rural decor, antiques and creative seasonal decorations. The Holiday Banquet Room provides dining for an additional 50 guests and can be booked for private parties and meetings. Visitors to the Trace Inn will also enjoy a unique craft, collectibles, and antique shop. For more information call (618) 936-2352 or visit www.redhillstraceinn.com
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a 40-acre lake where one can enjoy fishing, water skiing and speed boating with some restrictions on horsepower. Paddle boats are also available to rent during the summer months. A boat launch area provides easy access to the water while those without their own vessels may take advantage of rowboat rentals offered by the concession stand from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the 40-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Boat rentals are available too.

The park's water bodies also house crappie and redear sunfish for those seeking a diverse catch.

Fishing tournaments take place throughout the year providing an exciting challenge for experienced anglers.

A valid Illinois fishing license is required before casting your line into these waters teeming with aquatic life.



Picnicking
For family outings, what better way to spend a day than to have a picnic. Red Hills has pleasant, shaded picnic areas throughout the park, with tables and grills. There are three picnic shelters for large gatherings, two reservable and one first-come, first-serve, and six playgrounds for the kids. All areas are convenient to parking lots. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Trails
Eight miles of refreshing, scenic trails of moderate difficulty wind through the park, where the vibrant colors of redheaded woodpeckers, bluejays and wild canaries can be seen.

Hiking

For the intermediate hiker, Indian Treaty, Robin, Valley Springs and Tulip trail loops overlap each other on the hilly north side of U.S. Route 50 for about 3 miles. There is also a 5-mile trail for horseback riding and bicycling when soil conditions permit.

Horseback Riding

There also is a five-mile equestrian trail for horseback riding when soil conditions permit. A Class C equestrian campground is available.

Bicycling
While biking is permitted, there are no designated bike trails. Caution should be exercised on park roads due to traffic.

Biking along the lake's shoreline offers scenic views but requires careful navigation of pedestrians and picnic areas.

The terrain can vary from flat surfaces to steep hills, so cyclists need a good level of fitness and experience.

Cyclists must adhere strictly to posted signs as some paths may not allow bikes for safety or conservation reasons.

Remember that helmets are strongly recommended when cycling in this area; safety always comes first!

During peak seasons, it might get crowded making bicycling more challenging - plan your visit accordingly.

Night-time biking isn't advised because lighting within the premises is limited which could lead to accidents.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like the red-tailed hawk, blue jay, and cardinal. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birds throughout the year. There are several trails that provide excellent birding opportunities with scenic views.
Area Attractions
Winter sports

In the winter months, when the ice is thick enough, you can go ice fishing and enjoy ice skating on the lake. There are also sledding opportunities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 30 Great Park by Jim Stamper
park review stars; one to five Needs a swimming area an beach
April 10 I am A Disabled Vietnam Veteran by Robert Nicholas
park review stars; one to five I Camp at Red Hills State Park A Lot. I will Be Parked in The Handi Capped Parking.Driving A Old Brougham RV.Stop In And Say Hello
April 2 what it needs by loves to camp.
park review stars; one to five Red HIlls State Park has a very nice camping facility...but I think they need to put in a swimming area...
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Directions
Red Hills State Park is located in Lawrence County on US Rt #50 between Olney and Lawrenceville near the town of Sumner.

From US Rt #41 at Vincennes, Indiana, the park is located 18 miles west on Rt. 50.

From the junction of I-57 and Rt. 50 at Salem the park is located 65 miles east.

From the junction of IL Rt 1 and Rt. 50 at Lawrenceville the park is 8 miles west.

From Chicago take I-57 to Mattoon. Go east on Rt. 16 to Charleston, then take Rt. 130 south to Olney, and travel east on Rt. 50 to the park.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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