Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area
(including Banner Marsh Water Trail)

Peoria County & Fulton County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
40.5397, -89.8644

19721 North US 24
Canton, IL 61520

Official Website
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/BannerMarsh.aspx

Activities: 
Water (paddle, fish)
Other (hunt*, view wildlife, picnic)
​*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  year round but activities restricted during waterfowl hunting season
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online: 
Waterfowl hunting map https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Documents/BannerMarshHunterMap.pdf
On Site: none found
 
Parking: parking lot
 
Amenities:  picnic tables   
 
Restrooms: yes
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  no
 
Cost:  free admission                
 
Historical and/or Geological Significance:  unknown
 
Terrain/Views/Access: 
Forest, Open Grass Space
Wetland View & Access, Lake View & Access 
 
General Description:  4363-acre freshwater marsh
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  There are three public access points into the marsh. The marsh is also home to the Banner Marsh Water Trail Project. 

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Banner Marsh Water Trail Map, East Point Access (PDF)

More Information:
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/BannerMarsh.aspx

https://paddling.com/paddle/trips/banner-marsh-state-fish-wildlife-area-in-illinois/?lat=40.5373&lng=-89.8616&zoom=14

http://www.illinoispaddling.info/2015/09/banner-marsh-water-trail-project/

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L340501?yr=all

​https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/banner-marsh-state-fish-and-wildlife-area

​http://www.illinoispaddling.info/2017/11/banner-marsh/

​https://www.pjstar.com/article/20160424/news/160429615

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
309-647-9184

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunter fact sheets available on the IL DNR website (https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/default.aspx).
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.  Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.