A 17-mile section of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. In spring, the river offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing, provided the water level is high enough. This condition is an important part of planning: opportunities on the water here also depend on the river level.
Forests, Wetlands and Wildlife
Forest Glen Preserve encompasses 1,800 acres of beech-maple and oak-hickory forest types. It is also home to four registered Illinois Nature Preserves. The River Ridge Backpack Trail runs 10.5 miles through the preserve, with a difficulty range from easy to challenging. Forest Glen thus brings together different forest landscapes and a specific trail whose length and difficulty range you can take into account when planning.
The wetlands also offer a distinct focus for nature watching. At Kennekuk Marshes, there are opportunities to observe ducks, Canada geese, great blue herons, egrets and hawks. At Lake Vermilion County Park, you can observe a heron colony, river otters and an eagle nesting site. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area encompasses 2,700 acres of grassland, forest and farmland that provide habitat for wildlife.
The Vermillion River system has special ecological significance: it is the only known habitat of the Bluebreast Darter in the state of Illinois. The species is classified as endangered there. The river system’s name is spelled with two “l”s, distinguishing it from “Vermilion” in the county’s name.
Water and Activities in Different Seasons
Kickapoo State Recreation Area encompasses 2,842 acres and contains 22 deep, water-filled ponds. It provides access to water-based recreation on 22 lakes and the Middle Fork River. Canoe rentals and a shuttle service are offered in the recreation area for canoeing on the scenic river. Check current availability before your trip. The same condition applies here for canoeing and fishing in spring: the water level must be high enough.
The range of activities at Kickapoo extends beyond the water. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing and ice skating. There is also a disc golf course with 9-hole and 18-hole layouts. This means you can choose from different seasonal activities and two disc golf options in the same recreation area.
Trails and Getting Around
The 24.5-mile Kickapoo Rail Trail is intended as a multi-use trail for non-motorized travel and recreation; it is under construction. The Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge is a renovated trestle bridge 88 feet above the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Parking and restrooms are available at the Rail Trail trailhead on US 150. This trailhead is west of Danville on Route 150 East and east of Oakwood. If you plan to use it, check the latest information before you drive.
The available information differs when comparing the trails: the River Ridge Backpack Trail is 10.5 miles long and ranges from easy to challenging; the Kickapoo Rail Trail is longer at 24.5 miles and is still under construction. Length, difficulty range and construction status help distinguish these two trail options without treating them as equivalent.
History and Local Highlights
The galleries at the Vermilion County Museum cover natural history, artifacts of early Indigenous people, education, coal mining and Abraham Lincoln. The museum is a replica of the 1833 courthouse in Danville, where Lincoln practiced law from 1841 to 1859. The museum’s exhibits thus bring natural and regional history together with a specific connection to Danville’s history.
Kennekuk County Park encompasses 3,000 acres of oak-hickory forests and native tallgrass prairie. A commemorative brochure and a guide for a walking tour of the park’s Bunker Hill Historic Area are available at the Kennekuk visitor center. Big Thorn Farm & Brewery offers a different facet of Vermilion County: the 15-acre off-grid farm and brewery is located in the county. Forest Glen Preserve hosts its Maple Syrup Open House annually on the third Sunday in March. These details highlight different aspects—from forests and prairies to history and a recurring spring event.
Discover more destinations: Potomac, Danville, Fayette County, Pulaski County, Clay County, Adams, Knox County, Johnson County.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
