Marshall County: Nature, River and Regional History

The Illinois River, open prairies and regional history give Marshall County a range of travel highlights. At Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, backwater channels, floodplains and bluffs shape the landscape; Marshall County Hill Prairies Land and Water Reserve adds prairie and upland forest. There are also opportunities for fishing and boating, a museum dedicated to regional history, and a summer tradition. If you’re looking for a hotel in Marshall County, first consider whether nature, activities on the water or culture will shape your stay. This helps you tailor your plans to the themes that interest you most.

Nature Between Prairie and River

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area stretches along nearly 10 miles of scenic backwater channels, floodplains and bluffs on the Illinois River. About a mile south of Sparland, Marshall County Hill Prairies Land and Water Reserve lies directly west of the Illinois River and within Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area. The reserve’s high-quality prairies sit on glacial deposits and are surrounded by mature, second-generation dry-mesic upland forest. Open prairie and mature forest thus stand side by side as distinct landscapes.

The Cameron-Billsbach Division of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is in Marshall County, between Sparland and Henry. The 831-acre Billsbach Unit is on the east side of the Illinois River and borders the middle section of Billsbach Lake. The 992-acre Cameron Unit is on the west side of the river. Around Weis and Meridian Lakes, it includes bottomland forest, former fields and backwater habitats. These location descriptions convey the county’s different riverbanks and landscape features.

Water and Trails

There are opportunities for fishing and boating along the Illinois River in Marshall County. In Lacon, Lacon Marina offers a public boat launch, rental boat slips and parking for boat trailers. Weber Park adds a riverside walking trail. The amenities offer different experiences: the marina focuses on boats and slips, while Weber Park features a walking trail along the riverbank.

History and Tradition

The Marshall County Illinois Museum features exhibits on the history of Marshall County, Illinois, and its people. Topics include pioneer life, local events and cultural milestones. The museum also offers programs and events designed to engage and educate residents and visitors of all ages. Its exhibits on the past are complemented by events for different age groups.

Marshall County Old Settlers takes place every summer in late August and is the oldest continuously held event of its kind in the state of Illinois. In 1870, a picnic on the courthouse lawn honored the region’s pioneers. Until 1855, cooperage was widely practiced in Lacon. Coopers make barrels; the history of this craft adds a specific line of work to the region’s stories.

A bridge in Lacon is also a point of reference along the Illinois River Road Byway: it connects the eastern and western routes. Golf enthusiasts have another option at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Nonmembers are welcome to play nine or 18 holes, so you can choose between two round lengths.

Discover more destinations: Wenona, Christian County, Warren County, Stephenson, De Witt, Ogle County, Winnebago, Lawrence

For the main travel overview: Illinois.