Vermilion: Forests, Water and History

In Vermilion County, nature preserves, river landscapes and regional history are among the defining themes. Wildlife watching, activities on the water or culture can each shape a different focus for your trip. The county is accessible via Interstate 74.

Forests, Wetlands and Wildlife

Forest Glen Preserve encompasses 1,800 acres of beech-maple and oak-hickory forest types. Four registered Illinois Nature Preserves are located within the preserve. The Kennekuk Marshes offer opportunities to observe ducks, Canada geese, great blue herons, herons and hawks. Forest types and birdwatching thus offer distinct nature experiences.

The landscapes of the other nature preserves also vary: Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area encompasses 2,700 acres of grassland, forest and farmland that provide habitat for wildlife. Kennekuk County Park covers 3,000 acres and includes oak-hickory forests and native tallgrass prairie. At Lake Vermilion County Park, visitors can observe a heron colony, river otters and an eagle nesting site.

The Vermillion River system has special ecological importance: it is the only known habitat of the bluebreast darter in the state of Illinois. The species is listed as endangered there.

Rivers and Activities on the Water

A 17-mile stretch of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River since 1990. In spring, canoeing and fishing are possible on the river when water levels are high enough. Keep this condition in mind when planning river activities.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area encompasses 2,842 acres and contains 22 deep, water-filled ponds. Water-based recreation is available there on 22 lakes and the Middle Fork River. Canoe rentals and a shuttle service are available in the area for trips on the scenic Middle Fork; check their current availability before your trip.

Activities at Kickapoo State Recreation Area extend beyond the warmer months: winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing and ice skating. There is also a disc golf course with 9-hole and 18-hole layouts.

Hiking and Biking

The River Ridge Backpack Trail at Forest Glen Preserve is 10.5 miles long and ranges in difficulty from easy to challenging. Its length and difficulty range give you two points of reference for deciding how it fits into your hiking plans.

The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a 24.5-mile multi-use trail for non-motorized travel and recreation; it is under construction. The Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge is a renovated trestle bridge located 88 feet above the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.

Parking and restrooms are available at the Kickapoo Rail Trail trailhead at US 150. The trailhead is west of Danville on Route 150 East and east of Oakwood. Verify this information before setting out.

History, Culture and Local Events

The Vermilion County Museum building is a replica of the 1833 courthouse in Danville. Abraham Lincoln practiced law there from 1841 to 1859. The museum galleries cover natural history, artifacts of early Indigenous people, education, coal mining and Abraham Lincoln.

A commemorative brochure and a guide for a walking tour of the Bunker Hill Historic Area at Kennekuk County Park are available at the Kennekuk Visitor Center. This historic site therefore offers both a brochure and guidance for a walking tour.

The Maple Syrup Open House at Forest Glen Preserve takes place on the third Sunday in March. If you want to plan your trip around this event, it always falls on the same day of the week in March.

Big Thorn Farm & Brewery is a 15-acre, off-grid farm and brewery in Vermilion County, Illinois. This combination of farming and brewing adds another local point of interest to the nature and history themes.

Discover more destinations: Potomac, Danville, Mason County, Morgan, Lasalle, Jersey County, Stephenson, Iroquois County.

For the main travel overview: Illinois.