Shelby County: Trails, Water and History

At the southern end of Lake Shelbyville, the General Dacey Trail runs through the spillway channel and alongside the dam to the city park. This multi-use trail is designed for cycling and walking. Together with hiking trails, nature trails and historic sites, it offers a variety of ways to explore Shelby County: you can include activities on the water, trails through forested areas and evidence of the region’s history in your plans.

Hiking and Cycling

The General Dacey Trail connects several sections in a route described as running from the southern end of Lake Shelbyville through the spillway channel, alongside the dam and to the city park. Wolf Creek State Park has seven hiking trails. Eagle Creek State Park has three marked nature trails; the 12-mile Illini Trail is also located there.

At Hidden Springs State Forest, two trails focus on distinctive nature and educational themes. The Possum Hollow Nature Trail is three-quarters of a mile long and has 35 interpretive stations. The one-mile Big Tree Trail leads to a sycamore tree that is 78 inches thick. The Illini Trail offers a clear contrast in stated trail lengths: the two trails at Hidden Springs are considerably shorter than the 12-mile route at Eagle Creek State Park.

Lake Shelbyville and Wolf Creek

Recreational activities in Shelby County include fishing and camping at Lake Shelbyville. For water sports on the lake, Wolf Creek State Park has a four-lane boat launch. If you’re planning to camp there, the park has 304 Class A campsites and 78 Class C campsites. These figures give the capacities for the two classes separately; reservation terms may change. Check them before making your plans.

Natural Areas and Seasonal Sightings

Hidden Springs State Forest covers approximately 1,200 acres in Shelby County. It was named for seven known springs that early settlers used as sources of drinking water. The area therefore combines a specific landscape size with a history reflected in the forest’s name.

A distinct seasonal nature experience is bald eagle watching: in late winter, bald eagles can be seen almost daily from the observation deck at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor’s Center. If you’d like to include this in your trip, plan your visit for that time of year.

Coal Mining and Historic Sites

The Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum was founded on May 25, 1986, to commemorate the 1932 mine disaster and the miners who lost their lives. It also presents the history of coal mining in Moweaqua. The collection includes historic documents, photographs, artifacts and an extensive newspaper collection about the tragedy. The museum does not have regular hours; check whether a visit is possible before you go.

The museum of the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society features exhibits about the history and people of Shelby County. A historic jail dating to 1893 is also part of the site. Group tours can include the museum, the jail or both, and can be tailored to the group’s interests when possible. Check current options before your visit. Another example of local architectural history is the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Shelby County: the bridge, built in 1868, is a Howe truss bridge. The Shelbyville Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shelbyville CityWalk offers four self-guided tours. Since tour details may change before your trip, check them in advance. The self-guided tours, museums and notable buildings offer different ways to explore the county’s history.

Discover more destinations: Moweaqua, Will County, Monroe County, Iroquois County, Clay County, Adams, Douglas County, Rock Island.

For the broader travel guide: Illinois.