Sangamon River

Sangamon River Forest Preserve, a 160-acre gem, offers a variety of natural features. The goal for this property is to restore the landscape as closely as possible to its original presettlement conditions.

Hours

Sangamon River Forest Preserve opens at 7 AM year-round, weather-permitting. Closing times vary.

Time of Year Closing Time
First Saturday in April 9 PM
First Monday in September 7 PM
Monday before Halloween 5 PM

Activities Include:

Picnicking

Hiking

River Fishing

Bird Watching

Attractions

The most significant natural features on this property are the Sangamon River and its Wildcat Slough (pronounced "slew") tributary. The Sangamon River flows for approximately 5/8 of a mile through the property, and Wildcat Slough flows for about 1/8 of a mile before it enters the Sangamon. Horseback riding is not allowed on the trails.

Sangamon River was home to one of the largest ash trees in the state, the Lincoln Ash, until it was affected by the Emerald Ash Borer in 2011. The Lincoln Ash Tree located here was one of the largest ash trees in the state, and there are several groves of oak trees, particularly large bur and white oaks. Some are more than 200 years old, and have circumferences of more than 13 feet!

Thousands of thriving young trees planted by the previous owners will become the backbone of the restored Sangamon Grove. Someday, visitors will experience what their forebears did when they arrived at this challenging and amazing place on the Illinois frontier known as the Grand Prairie.

Sangamon River

Plug into nature at Sangamon River Forest Preserve. Get closer to nature through our many trails.