Nature's bounty has conspired to produce a natural beauty and source of recreation greatly prized by generations of Midwesterners at Siloam Springs State Park, just minutes east of Quincy in Adams County.
The beautifully wooded terrain, sparkling lake and carefully maintained facilities make this 3,323-acre site one of the most beautiful parks in Illinois. It's an ideal setting for outdoor visits, whether your interest is hunting, fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, hiking or bird watching. The park is surrounded by luxuriantly forested gullies and scenic crests alive with wild roses, black-eyed Susans, white false indigo, and snapdragons.
Activities
Picnicking
Old Siloam Picnic Area provides visitors with four shelters, charcoal grills, restrooms, shaded tables and playground equipment. The main shelter house, which holds more than 20 tables, also provides flush toilets, hot and cold water, grills, playground equipment, plenty of parking and a set of horseshoe pits. In addition, several other smaller areas are scattered along the park entrance road providing tables and grills.
Camping
If you want to spend a night or two under the stars, Siloam Springs offers 98 Class A camp sites featuring restrooms, showers and electricity, 84 Class B camp sites featuring showers and restrooms, four hike-in backpack camp sites, and a special group campground. A centrally located shower facility is available to all campers.
Horse Trails and Equestrian Camping
The park contains equestrian trails totaling 23 miles, covering ridgetops and steep, wooded valleys. A separate camping area is available for riders and their mounts, with water and limited electricity. Horse rentals are not available.
Concession
Boat and canoe rentals, a variety of bait and tackle, snack foods, soda and sandwiches are available on a seasonal basis from the concession stand by the lake. Phone 217-894-6263 for more information.
Fishing
The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and green sunfish, carp, crappie, channel catfish and rainbow trout. An Illinois fishing license and an Inland Trout stamp (to possess trout) are required and should be purchased before arriving at the park. Designated as a fish preserve by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, only sport fishing tackle is allowed, and anglers may not use more than two poles and four hooks. There are six fishing piers around the lake, as well as bank fishing opportunities.
Boating
Row boats and canoes may be rented, and there is a launching ramp for private craft. Only electric motors are allowed (no outboards). Swimming is not allowed.
Hiking
Hiking the Siloam Springs trails brings you close to the many wildflowers found throughout the park, including wild roses, snapdragons and black-eyed Susans. About 12 miles of scenic hiking trails go from valleys to flatlands throughout the park, including a combination 6-mile hiking and backpacking trail. Most trails are easy, but Hoot Owl, at 1.5 miles, and Red Oak backpack trail, at 4 miles are moderate. Four primitive camp sites are available for those who wish to hike to them.
Hunting
Winter Sports
Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and sledding as conditions permit.
