State Parks and National Parks

In east central Illinois, Wolf Creek State Park preserves 11,100 acres of water, 250 miles of shoreline and large tracts of carefully maintained indigenous woodlands. This area offers year-round outdoor recreation activities from swimming to snowmobiling.

The park began in 1958 when the Shelbyville Reservoirs Project created Lake Shelbyville to control flood waters and safeguard water quality.

By 1972, the area was open to the public and offered primitive camping facilities. The state has purchased additional land and improved facilities.

A swimming beach is open seasonally. Rental boats and motors are available from several private marinas on the lake.

The lake teems with black and white crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, muskie, bullhead, carp and sunfish.

The park has several hiking trails, a 15-mile equestrian trail and 16.5-mile snowmobile trail.

There is an abundance of deer, pheasant, rabbits, wild turkey and songbirds. Shotgun deer hunting is allowed on 500 acres of the park.

Portions of the park have been cleared of physical barriers and are accessible to disabled visitors.

There are 400 campsites ranging from primitive to fully equipped. There is a special equestrian campground and tents and tepees can be rented. A 140-site area in the Lick Creek section has also been designated for reservations, which the park accepts beginning in January.