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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
Western Region
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park
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Johnson Sauk Trail State Park © Chuck Johnson
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park © Chuck Johnson
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park © Chuck Johnson
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park © Chuck Johnson
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park © Chuck Johnson
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JOHNSON SAUK TRAIL STATE PARK
JOHNSON SAUK TRAIL STATE PARK
28616 Sauk Trail Rd.
Kewanee, Illinois   61443

Phone: 309-853-5589
Reservations: 309-853-5589
Email: park email button icon
From cross-country skiing in the winter to a lazy picnic in the summer, from a fishing trip in the spring to exploring fields of wildflowers amidst the fall colors of the giant oaks, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park truly is a park for all seasons.

Located on a glacial moraine that forms the beautiful, rolling hills of Henry County in north-central Illinois, the park sits astride a trail that led Native Americans from Lake Michigan to the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers.

Located off Illinois Route 78, Johnson-Sauk Trail is 6 miles south of Interstate 80 and 5 miles north of Kewanee. Originally known as the Henry County Conservation Area, a local newspaper invited the public to suggest names when the conservation area was going to be changed to a state park. Two names were popular with the public. One would name the park after State Senator Frank P. Johnson, a tireless worker on behalf of the park, while the second suggested Sauk Trail as a fitting name, for the Indian tribes most associated with the park when Europeans began settling the area.

The two most popular choices were combined to form the park's official name. Today, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park features 1,365 acres of recreation opportunities.
Nature of the Area
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park features a varied terrain, with rolling hills covered with a mix of hardwoods and pines in the south half of the park, and a flatter landscape with wildlife plantings and grasslands making up the northern half of the park.

The park's centerpiece is a 58-acre lake that offers both fishing and boating, as well as nearly two and a half miles of shoreline to explore.

The lake was one of a series of lakes considered for Illinois in 1944. After studying a number of sites, 369 acres of land known as Whiting's Woods were purchased. Actual construction of the lake didn't begin until 1949, and was halted soon after when engineers encountered unfavorable soil conditions. Work didn't get underway again until the summer of 1955, after advanced methods of dam construction were developed.

The park also has Sauk Trail Pond, a scenic 3-acre pond near the park's round barn, that provides fishing opportunities in a more restful setting.

From spring through fall, visitors will find a wide array of both woodland and prairie wildflowers, including bluebells, Dutchman's breeches, trillium, prairie anemone, yarrow, field daisies, vervain and goldenrod.

While fewer than 1,000 natural areas exist in Illinois, one of them is located in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park. The area contains a population of skunk cabbage, an early bloomer that sometimes blossoms in the snow -- rare for this part of the state.

White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrel, opossum and rabbits are among the myriad wildlife found in the park, while birders have ample opportunities to catch sight of chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches and hundreds of other avian visitors.
History of the Area
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park is located in a part of Illinois that was a vast shallow sea millions of years ago. Two glaciers covered this part of Illinois, the last being the Wisconsinian Glacier, which shaped the land as we know it today.

The state park is located on the southern edge of what once was the Great Willow Swamp, a marsh area covering the low-lying areas between the Mississippi, Rock and Green rivers, and is believed to have contained one of the most concentrated and varied wildlife populations in the central part of North America.

Attracting large numbers of both market and sport hunters, the area was considered a sportsman's paradise. The marsh eventually was drained for agricultural purposes.

The abundance of wild game and fur-bearing animals was what attracted Indians -- the area's first inhabitants -- to this part of Illinois. Although mound-building tribes were the first Native Americans to settle this part of the state, tribes of Sauk, Fox, Winnebago, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Kaskaskia, Peoria and Piankashaw Indians later established villages here.

Winnebago Indians are known to have used the Sauk Trail and to have camped at or near the state park regularly. The Sauk tribe moved from Wisconsin to the confluence of the Rock and Mississippi rivers and joined the Fox Indians to form a confederation. These tribes sent hunting parties to this part of the marsh frequently.

French trappers and traders were the first Europeans to pass through this area. The land encompassing Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park was part of the Great Northwest Territory claimed by France. Following the French and Indian War, the land was ceded to Great Britain in 1765, becoming part of the colony of Virginia. The land later was part of the Northwest Territory and Illinois Territory before Illinois gained statehood.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Marinas
The seasonal Marina offers rental boats, sell fishing bait and supplies, food and beverage, souvenirs and camping supplies. The upper deck of the Marina offers a full menu restaurant.
Camping
The Chief Keokuk Campground features 71 pads with electrical hook-ups for trailers (Class A camping), plus 25 tent sites (Class C camping). There is a shower building on site. A sanitary dump station is near the camping area. In addition, "Blackhawk" area on Lakeshore Loop Road is available for youth group camping.
Swimming
1. Johnson Sauk Trail State Park offers a large, 58-acre lake for swimming.
2. The park's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles before taking a dip.
3. Lifeguards are not provided at the park; swim with caution and supervise children closely.
4. Swimming areas are clearly marked to ensure safety of all visitors in water activities.
5. Restrooms, showers, changing facilities near the beach provide convenience after swimming or other aquatic adventures.

Boating
Johnson-Sauk Trail Lake's boat launch is adjacent to the Marina near the dam. Boats also are available for rent at the Marina, May - Sept. Only electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing in a 58-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. The park also offers ice fishing during winter months. A valid Illinois Fishing License is required for all anglers aged 16 or older.


Location
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park is located near Geneseo, Kewanee

Picnicking
The park features 10 picnic areas--mostly around the lake--with tables and cooking stoves. Two of the picnic areas have shelters.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 3-mile paved trail, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware of pedestrians sharing the path.

For those seeking more adventure, there's an off-road mountain bike route available too. However, it requires advanced skills due to its challenging terrain and steep inclines.

Remember that helmets are strongly recommended on both trails for safety reasons.

During winter months or after heavy rainfalls biking may not be advisable as paths could become slippery or muddy.

Always check weather conditions before setting out and respect park rules at all times.
Trails
Johnson-Sauk Trail has 10 to 15 miles of trails, ranging from 1/4 mile to 1 1/2 miles in length, from easy to moderate and taking hikers along the lake or through land ranging from rolling prairie to pine plantations and bottomland hardwood forests, so even the pickiest of hikers should find a trail to his or her liking. If added miles are desired, the trails have been designed to connect so you can link one to another.
Birding
The park offers birding enthusiasts a variety of species to observe, including waterfowl and songbirds. A 58-acre lake attracts migrating birds while woodland areas house resident species. The park's diverse habitats make it an ideal location for year-round bird watching activities.
Area Attractions
Ryan's Round Barn:

One of the most unique features of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park is the large, round barn built in 1910 and located near the park entrance. One of the largest round barns in the country, the architectural marvel stands more than 80 feet high and is 85 feet in diameter.The barn has a full-size16-foot wide silo inside. Round barns originally were built by religious groups because they "left no corners in which the devil could hide." Today, the barn is available to be toured every other Saturday afternoon, May through October by Friends of Johnson's Park Foundation. For more information and barn tour schedule, contact the park office.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 24 Excellent place to camp by MK
park review stars; one to five We stayed one night at the campground and will keep this place in mind & go back! Beautiful area & excellent campground.
May 2 My Favorite Illinois State Park by Rose
park review stars; one to five Our family has been camping there for at least 35 years. Best park in Illinois. Great Birding and fishing.
January 10 Great for Cross-Country Skiing by Mike H.
park review stars; one to five I live 10 minutes from Jubilee College State Park, but would rather drive 1 hour (each way) to cross-country ski at Johnson Sauk Trail Park. You obviously have to break your own trail (this is Illinois), but the loops are nice with great scenery!
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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Within a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock and even closer to Matthiessen State Parks you will find a gorgeous, tranquil property with spacious cabins on 50 wooded acres. All with full kitchens and outdoor fire pits. 3 dog friendly.
44.3 miles from park*
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
58.2 miles from park*
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Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
46.6 miles from park*
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Directions
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park is located in west central Henry County. The park entrance is located on the eastern side of IL Rt. 78 just five miles north of Kewanee or six miles south of I-80 (Exit 33) and Annawan. The entrance is well marked and easy to find.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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