Founded in 1974, Kennekuk County Park is 3000 acres in size and is located five miles west of Danville. It is bordered on the west by the Middle Fork National Scenic River and the Middle Fork State Wildlife Area (3000 acres). Kickapoo State Park (3000 acres) is three miles to the south. These vast public ownerships (except Kickapoo) were purchased in the 1970's for the creation of the Middle Fork Reservoir. The project was never developed past the initial stages due to lack of funding and environmental opposition.
Kennekuk County Park is an oak-hickory forest type with native tall grass prairie areas. It contains three Illinois Nature Preserves within its boundaries.
Recreational Opportunities
HIKING – 10 miles of trails, plus the 7.5 mile Lake Mingo Trail
PICNICKING – Several large picnic areas that cater to company picnics or large groups; tables, grills, fire rings, horseshoes and playground equipment.
FISHING – Includes:
Lake Mingo – 170 acres- Lake Fee Required, weekly Tuesday night tournament.
Twin Points – 10 acres
Horseshoe Pond – 2 acres; Catch & Release only
Nature Center Pond – 1 acre
Cedar Hill Pond – 1 acre
Middle Fork River
All Illinois fishing regulations apply. Note: There is no fishing in the Kennekuk Marshes.
BOATING/CANOEING – Includes:
Middle Fork National Scenic River – Canoe; concrete canoe launch and access lane to accommodate bus with canoe trailer or vehicles with canoes; all vehicles must park in lot provided.
Lake Mingo – 9.5 hp limit, sailboats; Lake Fee Required
Twin Points – electric motors only
HUNTING – Must sign up and pay for VCCD hunting permit, VCCD hunting regulations and all Illinois hunting regulations apply
Upland Game: pheasant and rabbit
Squirrel
Dove
Waterfowl and Goose – Lake Mingo
Turkey – spring season only
Deer – archery only; All Illinois hunting regulations and VCCD hunting regulations apply; fee required. There is no trapping allowed due to the recent release of river otters.
WILDLIFE VIEWING – The Kennekuk Marshes offer a variety of waterfowl viewing; deer and turkey are abundant; river otters (occasional); also hawks, great blue herons, egrets, coyote, beaver, fox and geese.
MUSHROOM HUNTING – Great spring morel mushroom hunting. Berry picking is allowed. Collecting of plants or ginseng is not allowed!
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING/JOGGING/BICYCLING – Many area schools and the Kennekuk Road Runners use the roads and trails for cross country running. Early morning joggers utilize the road system. Roller blading is popular on the asphalt entrance drive; bicycling is also very popular. No mountain bikes allowed on trails.