Marshall State Fish And Wildlife Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area is a 6,000-acre park located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

There are plenty of reasons to visit this park, such as its beautiful scenery, rich wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities. The park offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities, hiking and biking trails, and camping facilities. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, boating, and picnicking.

Some of the park's specific points of interest include the Big Creek Wetlands, which is a popular spot for bird watching, and the Mackinaw River, which offers excellent fishing opportunities. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.

Interesting facts about the park include the fact that it was once used as a training ground for World War II soldiers and was later converted into a fish and wildlife area. The park is also home to the largest continuous wetland in central Illinois.

The best time of year to visit Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall, as the weather is mild and comfortable. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities during these seasons, including fishing, hiking, and camping. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but the weather can be hot and humid.

Overall, Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area is a great destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Illinois' natural landscapes.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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