Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
(including Aitchison Refuge)
Marshall & Peoria Counties, Illinois
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Latitude/Longitude
Trailhead: 40.9562613, -89.4192925 East Side of River (Marshall Unit): 40.95432, -89.42923 West Side of River at Wightman Lake (Spring Branch & Sparland Units): 41.0054, -89.43922 |
Trailhead: 231 Blue Heron Rd, Lacon, IL 61540 East Side of River (Marshall Unit): 236 IL Rt 26, Lacon, IL 61540 West Side of River (Spring Branch & Sparland Units): Railroad St (IL Rt 29), Sparland, IL 61565 |
Official Website
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Marshall.aspx
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Marshall.aspx
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Activities:
Trails (hiking; east side) Camping (by permit, tent, RV campground on east side; island canoe camping when waterfowl not in season) Water (paddle, fish); stop on Greater Peoria Canoe and Kayak Trail) Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski) Other (hunt*, view wildlife, picnic) *Be aware, be safe. ALL visitors should see below. Season/Hours: unknown Dog Friendly: yes (leashed) Map(s) On Site and/or Online: Online: none found On Site: trail map sign on east side at campground and also at trailhead kiosk on Blue Heron Road Parking: parking lots Amenities: benches, shelter, picnic tables Restrooms: vault toilets Trail Info Websites/Apps: no Cost: free admission; fee to camp Historical and/or Geological Significance: unknown Terrain/Views/Access: Forest, Hills, Prairie, Open Grass Space and Trees Wetland View & Access River View & Access General Description: 6000-acre (half land, half water) state fish and wildlife area spanning the Illinois River and stretching for almost 10 miles OPAL’s Observations & Opinions: Subject to Illinois River flooding. Know before you go. Check Illinois River levels here. |
Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Marshall SFWA Trail Map (PDF) Marshall SFWA Brochure & Maps (PDF) More Information:
https://www.pjstar.com/x1816438858/Back-in-the-flow https://www.peoriaaudubon.org/lbs_marshall.htm https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/marshall-state-fish-and-wildlife-area# https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/marshall-state-fish-and-wildlife-area https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/sparland/nature-outdoor-recreation/wightman-lake-wetland-management-unit/ https://www.pjstar.com/news/20190111/ducks-get-additional-wetlands-at-woodford-wildlife-area https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/marshall-state-fish-and-wildlife-area/IL/451571/overview https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/display_river.php?waternum=15013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac7fl9yS5Js https://www.pontiacdailyleader.com/x401617859/Hope-for-the-future https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/MarshallStateFishWildlifeArea-SparlandUnit.aspx Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area 236 State Route 26 Lacon, IL 61540 309-246-8351 |
*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.
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.
East Side of River:
Trailhead (East Side of River):
West Side of River (Wightman Lake):
