Bellrose Island (Havana)

Mason County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
40.307180, -90.063968

790 N Schrader St
Havana, IL 62644

Activities:
Trails (hiking)
Other (wildlife viewing)

Season/Hours: dawn to dusk

Dog Friendly: yes (leashed)

Map(s) On Site and/or Online:
Online: no
On Site: town map on sign at trailhead

Parking: very small parking area near Bellrose Island sign; roadside parking at Bellrose Meadows; large parking lot at Havana Riverfront Park (2 block walk to Bellrose Island trailhead)

Amenities: none

Restrooms: no

Trail Info Websites/Apps: no

Cost: free admission

Historical and/or Scientific Significance: historic; birding hotspot

Terrain/Views/Access:
forest
wetland view, river view

General Description: 45-acre island/peninsula city park on river's edge comprised of forests and wetlands; adjoins Bellrose Meadows by trail

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:
Bellrose Island is home to many very large trees.  During a Spring 2021 visit, trail beginnings were easy to follow from either Bellrose Island or Bellrose Meadows but eventually the trail became somewhat overgrown. There were areas of significant poison ivy. A creek through the island (see pictures below) did not have a bridge but we found an area upstream where we could cross and the creek appeared to travel underground.
The large tree sizes and quantity of them at Bellrose was simply stunning. It is surprising that this central Illinois gem is not on everyone's 'must see' list.

Subject to Illinois River flooding. Know before you go.  Check Illinois River levels here.

Access at Bellrose Island sign:

Access from Bellrose Meadows:

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):

More Information:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L294743

https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/inhsreports/sep-oct97/bellrose/

http://www.bellrose.org/

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/il_river_tour(2).pdf

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-07-24-9407240327-story.html

http://www.museum.state.il.us/RiverWeb/harvesting/history/settlement/havana.html

Managed by:
Havana Park District
200 S McKinley
Havana, IL 62644
309-543-6240
havanaparkdistrict@gmail.com