Clark County: Forest Trails, Lakes, and History

In Lincoln Trail State Park lies the American Beech Woods Nature Preserve, an old second-growth beech-maple forest. Visitors who want to explore the woodland on foot can choose between two trails of different lengths and settings: the Beech Tree Trail is 0.5 miles long, runs over stairs and footbridges, and offers views of the beech-maple forest. The Sand Ford Nature Trail offers a two-mile hike through an oak-hickory forest.

Forests, Lake Shores, and Trails

Lincoln Trail State Park covers 1,023 acres and is located two miles south of Marshall in Clark County. Activities include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and winter sports; the availability of individual activities may vary by season. Another natural highlight is Lincoln Trail Lake: it covers 146 acres and has more than seven miles of densely wooded shoreline.

Mill Creek Park also combines trails with opportunities for a longer stay outdoors. About 15 miles of ATV and OHV trails run along the west side of the park; their operation depends on the season and weather. For biking and hiking, Martinsville has the approximately four-mile Ridgelawn singletrack trail.

Mill Creek Park has campsites with hookups, showers, and recreation areas, as well as access to the county’s largest lake. Seven cabins can be rented by the day or week; availability may change, so it is best to check before making plans. Alongside the natural attractions, there are various options for staying in the park.

History Along the Roads

Clark County can also be explored through its historic roads and buildings. The Illinois National Road runs 164 miles from Marshall through Casey to East St. Louis and is paralleled by U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70. West of Lincoln Trail State Park, the Lincoln Heritage Trail follows Illinois Route 1. In Casey, historic buildings and the roadbed of the National Historic Road are preserved and visible along a self-guided driving tour.

In Marshall, the Stone Arch Bridge is part of the National Road. It was built without mortar or concrete. The World's Largest Gavel stands at the historic Clark County Courthouse; visitors may take photos there. Marshall also has more than 25 murals to see. The Marshall Business Historic District has 55 buildings, 46 of which are considered contributing buildings worthy of preservation because of their Italianate commercial architecture details.

Museums and Local Traditions

North of Martinsville is the Lincoln School Museum, housed in a restored, single-story brick schoolhouse dating from the 1880s. In Casey, the history of softball goes back further than the museum: the softball program has operated continuously since the early 1930s, and the Casey Softball Museum was completed in 1976.

The Martinsville Agricultural Fair also has a long history. The Clark County Fair Association was founded in 1897 and held its first fair that same year. The main event, the Great Midwest Trot and Pace, has been held annually since 1953. If this event is part of your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Casey has more distinctive sights: the World's Largest Golf Tee is 30 feet 9 inches long. The World's Largest Knitting Needles were made by Jim Bolin of Bolin Enterprises, Inc. as a gift for Jeanette Huisinga of The Yarn Studio. The World's Largest Wind Chime and the World's Largest Rocking Chair are also in Casey. Oilfield is a historic restaurant in a former single-story schoolhouse dating from 1866; the Moonshine Store is home to the Moonshine Burger.

Discover More Destinations

Marshall, Casey, Peoria, Jersey County, Henry County, Dekalb, Stephenson, Marshall County

For the main travel overview: Illinois.