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Illinois
52

Illinois State Parks

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USA Parks
Illinois
Northern Region
Gebhard Woods State Park
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Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
Gebhard Woods State Park © Stephen Longmire
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GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK
GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK
401 Ottawa Street P.O. Box 272
Morris, Illinois   60450

Phone: 815-942-0796
Email: park email button icon
History of the Area
Gebhard Woods State Park was originally purchased from Mrs. William Gebhard by the Grundy County Rod & Gun Club in 1934 for the amount of $1,500.00. A game fish rearing pool was developed on the property by the Rod and Gun club who in turn donated the property to the State of Illinois to be developed and maintained as Gebhard Woods State Park. Members of the Brandon-Morris Civilian Conservation Corps were employed by the Department of the Interior to clear and landscape this newly formed state park. The CCC developed two additional spawning pools for game fish, interior trails, a large shelter of handhewn beams with flagstone flooring, two small log shelters complete with fireplaces, a sheltered resting bench and a large stone fireplace.

Today, hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Located in Morris, this picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.
Camping
Primitive tent camping only: gear must be walked (1/3 mile) to campsite, no vehicular access. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center which is open daily 10am - 4pm.
Boating
Canoeists can travel 15 miles of the canal in open water between Channahon State Park and Gebhard Woods. Paddlers can spend the day enjoying the natural beauty and abundant wildlife as they float between these two parks. The Aux Sable access area located between Channahon State park and Gebhard Woods is home to an original locktender's house, Aux Sable aqueduct and canal Lock #8, a perfect place to land the canoe and have a picnic lunch. Small fishing boats with electric motors are also allowed in the Canal. Gas powered motors are prohibited due to the shallow depth of the canal and the fragile embankments.
Fishing
There are three fishing ponds available in the park. Bring your fishing gear and try your skill at catching bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and bullhead. These small ponds provide a great place for the entire family to enjoy a relaxing day casting away the hours. Fishing is also available in the Illinois & Michigan Canal and in Nettle Creek.



Picnicking
Gebhard Woods provides rustic beauty with five shady picnic areas. These areas are complete with picnic tables and grills. A large shelter with electrical service, water fountain and restrooms nicely located near the playground area is available for reservations to host that special outdoor occasion. A slightly smaller shelter near the front of the park complete with electricity and nearby drinking fountain and restroom is available on a first come first serve basis. If time allows, join in a baseball game on the diamond while the smaller children enjoy the playground area. Horseshoe pits are also available near the large shelter.
Trails
Gebhard Woods is only a footbridge away from the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. This 61 mile trail on the old canal towpath is easy walking and gives access to unparalleled scenic and historic sights. Bicyclists can also take advantage of the groomed towpath to enjoy the natural and manmade wonders. The trail is marked and has various wayside exhibits that describe features of the canal era encountered along the way. Due to the trail's composition, horseback riding isn't allowed.

After a minimum of four inches of snowfall, snowmobilers may travel the 61 miles of marked trail available along the canal. Registration is required, so call ahead to the park office for snowfall and registration information. Cross country skiing is also permitted on the trail.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birding events are also organized regularly.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 8 My husband ask why
park review stars; one to five Why I never mentioned this place. We went for a ride this past weekend and needed a place to walk our dog. We enjoied our day here!
May 26 Lots to do in a decent sized park by Berwyn BSA Troop
park review stars; one to five Took our Boy Scout Troop (9 boys) to Gebhard for the first time, and though it was smaller than I had thought it would be, we had lots to do. Hiked along the canal, fished in the 3 park ponds and the canal, played ball, had a cookout, and saw lots of interesting wild life. The kids had a great time and want to return again for another visit.
October 7 Something for everyone here! by kayakmorris.com
park review stars; one to five Whether you want to enjoy the nature trail, walk/bike the I&M Canal Towpath, camp, paddle the Canal or fish the many ponds/canal, Gebhard Woods is a definitely fun for all!
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Area Campgrounds
Fossil Rock Recreation Area
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551 Wilson Street
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815-795-6000
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.
33.5 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
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...
29 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
From Rte. #47 in Morris, turn west on Jefferson St (Jefferson will turn into Freemont St. a few blocks down). Continue on Freemont St. to Ottawa St, turn left on Ottawa St. and the Park is located approximately a block and a half down on the left hand side.

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Illinois
52

Illinois State Parks

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