OUTDOORS
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Starting in the mid 1860s and continuing for more than 40 years, passenger and freight trains operated between Peoria and Rock Island. By 1915, rail traffic had begun to decline, and by 1950, ceased completely. Peoria’s Forest Foundation acquired the abandoned railway corridor and in 1969 deeded the property to the Department of Conservation. Officially dedicated in 1989, the Rock Island Trail State Park was the first railway conversion project completed by the department. Improved access points to the Rock Island Trail are at Alta, Wyoming and Toulon. Hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers will enjoy 26 miles of uninterrupted nature. Parking, water and pit toilets are located at access areas. Native grasses, flowering perennials, hardwood trees and wildflowers can be found along the packed crushed limestone path. A trestle bridge spans the Spoon River between Wyoming and Toulon. Only non-motorized traffic is allowed on the trail, and equestrian use is not permitted. |
For more information: Please contact: Grant McCauley Phone: (309) 695-2228 Email: RockIslandTrail@dnrmail.state.il.us Additional info can be found on the Web: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R1/ROCKISLE.HTM |
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A peaceful recreations area formed from land that was originally strip mined, Allendale Conservation Club hosts 100 camping sites for members and open to the public for swimming. |
Usually opens Memorial Day weekend and closes before Labor Day. Season and family passes are available. |
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| One of two parks located in Wyoming, Thomas Park features two shelters, basketball courts and new playground equipment. The park is located between S. 4th and 5th streets and W. Elm and W. Smith streets in southwest Wyoming. |
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| The CB & Q Railroad Depot located in Wyoming has been restored and now serves as headquarters and visitor's center for the Rock Island Trail State Park. The inside offers a brief history lesson of the depot and displays of wildlife. Hours are Saturday and Sunday only, from 9 am to 4 pm. The depot is located on E. Williams St. between Main and Madison in Wyoming. |
| The second of two parks in Wyoming, Duryea Park was named after the inventors of the first gas powered car, Frank and Charles Duryea. The park features a softball field (home of the Stark County High School softball team), a shelter, and playground equipment. |
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| Over 100 wind turbines covering 14,000 acres in Stark and Marshall Counties make up the several hundred million dollar Camp Grove Wind Farm. Fourty of these environmentally-friendly power plants are located in Stark County and provide for a great sighting seeing adventure. The wind farm is located in the northeast corner of Stark County. |
| Toulon's City Park features a sheltered area, three basketball hoops, playground equipment, 30 yard by 30 yard grass area, and male and female restrooms.The park is open from dawn to dusk. No alcoholic beverages, glass bottles or motor vehicles are allowed in the park. |
At a glance... Stark County Bradford Toulon Wyoming |