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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Woodford State Fish Wildlife Area
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WOODFORD STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
WOODFORD STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
R.R. 1
Low Point, Illinois   61545

Phone: 309-822-8861
Email: park email button icon
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area is a picturesque area along the east side of the Illinois River. Among its features are many artesian wells, which make the manmade channels an excellent winter fishing area. The 2,900-acre site, of which 2,462-acres are water, is a favorite stopping point for waterfowl during migration.
Nature of the Area
The area comprises bottomland forest and backwater lakes of the Illinois River and features a wide variety of fauna and flora. Cottonwood, silver maple and willow cover much of the low-lying land. Deer, raccoon, muskrat, mink and beaver find this habitat to their liking and sometimes can be observed at dawn and dusk. Tall and stately great blue herons also are found in large numbers on the backwaters, and during winter it is not unusual to see a bald eagle soring above the frozen lakes or perched atop a snag.

A major waterfowl refuge of 1,400 acres exists on the area. While less attractive to wildlife due to heavy siltation in recent years, backwater lakes still attract large flights of waterfowl during migration. However, only wood ducks and Canada geese commonly nest and raise their young here. Hawks and owls, especially barred owls, are common to the area, as are an assortment of songbirds and woodpeckers.
Camping
Sites for tents and trailers are provided. Water pit privies and a sanitary dump station are available. Due to periodic flooding of the Illinois River, it is advisable to call ahead and check on conditions before you visit.
Boating
The site provides boat docks and a public boat ramp. There is no horsepower limit. Large boats are unable to navigate the shallow backwater lakes.


Location
Woodford State Fish Wildlife Area is located near Chillicothe, East Peoria and Metamora

Picnicking
The area provides a day-use area with picnic tables, stoves and a shelter.
Trails
More than 3 miles of marked trails are available for hiking, cross-country skiing and hunter access from Dec. 15-Oct. 1. Because the trail area is composed of levees used as a waterfowl management area, trails are closed during fall migration. No bicycles or other vehicles are allowed on the trails.

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Area Campgrounds
Mill Point Park
Mill Point Park
, IL
Chillicothe Recreational Area Ltd
20205 N. Rt. 29
Chillicothe, IL
309-274-2000
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.
27 miles from park*
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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.
97.9 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...
35 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area is located on State Rt 26 and can be reached from either I-80 from the north or I-74 from the south. From I-80, take I-39 south for approximately 25 miles to State Rt 17 west for 20 miles to Lacon. Than take State Rt 26 south for 10 miles. The entrance is on the right and is well signed. From I-74 at East Peoria, take State Rt 116 north for 5 miles to State Rt 26 north for 15 miles. The entrance is on the left and is well signed.

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Illinois
12

Illinois State Parks

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