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Sand Ridge State Forest
State Park Information
State Park Overview
For those who think central Illinois is one big corn field, Sand Ridge State Forest will come as a very pleasant surprise. The forest is an island in a sea of agriculture. Just minutes southwest of Peoria, this 7,200-acre, the largest of Illinois State Forests, boasts sweeping expanses of native oak-hickory, extensive plantations of pine, sprawling open fields, grasslands and
completely unique sand prairies. For a refreshing, invigorating taste of unspoiled nature and an opportunity to experience truly unique environment, Sand Ridge State Forest is ideal.
The area is the result of a prehistoric dry period when more desert-like conditions existed. Today it remains one of the few places in Illinois that supports an intriguing variety of plants and animals more associated with the southwest than the midwest. Those include badger, silvery bladderpod, pocket gopher and prickly pear cactus to name a few.
The raw, undeveloped expanses of hardwood and pine blanketing the panoramic vistas contain miles of outstanding hiking, backpacking, snowmobiling and
horseback riding opportunities. Hunting of deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, dove and
squirrel is permitted. There is a hand trap shooting facility and an archery range.
For the dedicated outdoors person this is truly an island of great opportunity to see how diverse Illinois is. For the day visitor, the forest offers picnic facilities and the chance for fascinating experience with nature in the Henry Allen Gleason Nature Preserve. You can enjoy the pristine sand prairie in a protected area closed to vehicles, domestic animals and hunting.
A bird watchers paradise, Sand Ridge State Forest also is an important nesting area for a great variety of neo-tropical migratory birds, such as ovenbird, indigo bunting, veery and scarlet tanager.
Camping
Trails
Equestrian Trails
Horsemans Park is the starting point for all equestrian use. The 55 miles of trails and over 150 miles of fire lanes offer the average horse rider an excellent opportunity (Equestrian Regulations). Firepads, hitching rails and
pit-valut toilets are provided for visitor use. There is a shelter for day use or can be reserved by sending the shelter reservation application to the forest headquarters. Groups must have an activity permit.
Hiking Trails
Forty-four miles of marked trails, ranging from 1.6 to 17 miles each and
120 miles of fire lanes offer unequaled opportunities to the hiker, back packer, horseback rider or snowmobiler.
Snowmobiling
A person can take advantage of 26 miles of designated trails when theres at least 4 inches of snow. The trail head is located at the Oak Campground just of Cactus Drive and the trail is open 24 hours a day.
Picnicking
History of the Area
Fifteen thousand years ago the flood waters of the last glaciation period receded down the Illinois River valley leaving a vast deposit of sand - Pekin to down past Beardstown and as far west as San Jose. A subsequent period of extreme dryness and warmth invited plants and animals of the southwestern states to extend their range. Shifting winds sculpted 100 foot high sand dunes evident today as the now wooded ridges for which the forest is named.
In 1939, 5504 acres of this forested tract was purchased by the state to be managed by the Division of Forestry as an experimental forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted pine trees to control erosion and demonstrate the viability of growing a commercial tree crop in sandy soil. The current 2492 acres of pine plantations are still producing sawlog-size timber for Illinois future needs. The native oak-hickory forest is selectively utilized for a firewood cutting program. There are special times throughout the year when firewood collection is allowed.
In 1971, the Division of Land Management took over management of the site and the area became known as Sand Ridge State Forest. Today, the forest covers 7200 acres -- 3916 acres of native oak-hickory forest, 2492 acres of pine and
the rest in open fields and sand prairies.
More Info
Regal Fritillary, July 6, 2003, Sand Ridge State Forest, IL (P Fuessle) NABA Sightings page
Rec Parks & Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Sand RidgeState Forest West-Central Region P.O. Box 111 Forest City, IL 61532 309.597
January February 1995 Habitat Partioning by Therevids at Sand Ridge State Forest If you were a ground-dwelling insect larva, one
of therevids at Sand Ridge State Forest in Mason County
Idaho Targhee National Forest/Jedediah Smith Wilderness (with photos) 1998 Illinois Sand Ridge State Forest (with photos) 1998 Shawnee National Forest 1992 Kentucky Big South Fork National River
Forest, Donnellson, IA Contact Denise Schieffer, (319) 728-8737 May 1728 Sand Ridge Forest Sand Ridge State Forest, IL Contact Stacy or Frank Bowman, (217) 487-7664 bowmanfxtr@aol.com May 31
County State Fish And Wildlife Area 4301 S. Lakeside Dr. Chester IL 62233 618-826-2706 HT Sand Ridge State Forest P.O. Box 111 Forest City IL 61532 309-597-2212 HC, HT Sangchris Lake State Park R
From the west, east or south Follow IL Rt 136 to Mason County Road 2800E and turn north. Continue in a straight line for about 6 miles, through the village of Forest City. This road will turn to the west and become Mason County Road 2300N and will lead you directly into the forest. From the north, follow IL Rt 29 south out of Pekin to the Manito Road, turn west and go to Manito -bout 20 miles. In Manito, watch for the sign for Mason County Road 2500N and again turn west (right). In about 6 miles you will have entered the forest. From either entrance, follow our clearly marked signs to the facility or destination of your choice.
For more information contact site personnel at Sand Ridge State Forest, P.O. Box 111, Forest City, IL 61532 or by phone at 309-597-2212.
Sand Ridge State Forest