Sand Ridge State Forest

Mason County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
(multiple access points)
40.400640, -89.878467

P.O.Box 111
25799E CR 2300N
​Forest City, IL  61532
309-597-2212

Official Website
​https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/SandRidge.aspx
https://huntillinois.org/sites/sand-ridge-sf/​

Activities: 
Trails (hiking, biking (exceptionally challenging due to sand))
Camping (tent, RV)
Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski, snowmobile)
Other (archery range, hunt*, horseback riding, view wildlife, picnic, fish hatchery, trap shooting)
*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  seasonal based on activity
 
Dog Friendly:  yes
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Documents/SandRidgeTrailMap.pdf
On Site:   varies by location
 
Parking:  parking lots and roadside
 
Amenities:  shelter, picnic tables     
 
Restrooms:  pit-vault toilets
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps: 
All Trails     
Trip Advisor

​Cost:  free admission, fee for camping
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  includes Clear Lake Site (listed on National Register of Historic Places) and unique geology; iNaturalist location; birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:  
forest, hills, prairie, open grass space
 
General Description:  multi-use 7200-acre state forest (Illinois' largest), adjacent to Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve and Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Sand Ridge Brochure (PDF)
Sand Ridge Site Map (PDF)
Sand Ridge Hiking Trail Map (PDF)
Sand Ridge Equestrian Trail Map (PDF)
Sand Ridge Sportsmen Digest & Map (PDF)

More Information:
https://ilacadofsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/106-10MS1311Final.pdf​​

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L164839

https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/Hatcheries/JakeWolf.html

https://thelamponline.com/5079/campus-news/the-sands-of-mason-county/
​
https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/sand-ridge-state-forest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYEuUb-C8-Q

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/sand-ridge-state-forest

https://www.theoutbound.com/illinois/backpacking/backpack-the-yellow-trail-at-sand-ridge-state-forest

https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/quiver-township/nature-outdoor-recreation/sand-ridge-state-forest/
​
https://www.pantagraph.com/lifestyles/travel/a-taste-of-southwest-awaits-at-sand-ridge-watch-your/article_d6865117-9070-52b5-a9b0-80a789653226.html
​
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vSmbHD0qMs

https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/illinois/sand-ridge-state-forest
​
https://www.pekintimes.com/article/20141108/NEWS/141109368

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Site Superintendent, Sand Ridge State Forest
P.O. Box 111
25799 E CR 2300N
Forest City, IL  61532
 309-597-2212
​

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunting information on the IL DNR website
https://huntillinois.org/​ .
​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.