Where to Ride: Horse Trails in Illinois State Parks
Illinois, with its rich array of state parks and recreational areas, is a gorgeous backdrop for horseback riding. Our state parks offer an extensive network of trails that promise both exciting wildlife and tranquil landscapes. With the Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintaining a significant portion of these trails across the state, the opportunities for discovery and adventure are vast. Explore these beautiful horse trails in Illinois this spring!
Big River State Forest
In the scenic western reaches of Illinois’ Henderson County, Big River State Forest offers an impressive 68 miles of horse trails. The crossing paths officially function as firebreaks but double as perfect riding trails. This state park is perfect for equestrians seeking adventure amidst the beauty of Illinois’ prairie woodland border area. The forest provides ample opportunities for horseback riding and even offers equestrian camping facilities.
Beyond horseback riding, Big River State Forest has three boat launches along the Mississippi River, inviting anglers and boaters alike to enjoy a day on the water. The river and its banks are a fisherman’s delight, home to catches from crappie to channel catfish. It’s even open for ice fishing in the winter months.
As a remnant of the vast prairie woodland that once sprawled across Illinois, the forest is home to diverse plant life, including two endangered species: the bearded tongue (penstemon) and Patterson’s bindweed, first documented in 1873. Visitors can wander among prairie coneflowers, bluestems, and other native plants. Big River State Forest is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts exploring horse trails in Illinois.
Hennepin Canal State Trail
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is a jewel for horseback riding in Illinois, offering more than 73 miles of trails that meander through the state’s picturesque landscapes. Open from April 15 to October 31, the canal welcomes equestrians to traverse 48 miles along its main stretch, and an additional 25 miles along the feeder. The equestrian trails start at Lock 2 and stretch to Lock 24 on the mainline, and from Bridge 46 near I-88 on the feeder canal. This wide range allows riders to travel along historical corridors while adhering to guidelines that preserve the area. Equestrian campers can rest and recuperate at the campground located at Lock 21, offering a unique overnight experience amidst the rich history of the Hennepin Canal.
This historic waterway was pivotal to 19th-century American commerce and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides an immersive historical backdrop to an equestrian adventure. The Hennepin Canal Visitor Center, near I-80, features exhibits on the canal’s construction, local wildlife, and a model lock system. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday for explorers!
Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area
The Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area is a scenic preserve in western Illinois. It features 24 miles of equestrian-friendly trails that make it a prime destination for those seeking horse trails in Illinois. This park even has a campground specifically designed for horseback riders, including 19 electrical hook-up sites. The horse trails also allow snowmobiling during winter months!
Weinberg-King’s landscape is characterized by its rolling terrain and steep hillsides, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for riders and campers alike. Williams Creek adds to the area’s picturesque beauty, winding through the park and offering serene spots for relaxation and nature watching. The park’s flora includes a variety of trees such as locust, osage orange, pine, oak, and walnut, along with an abundance of wildflowers that decorate the hillsides and creek banks.
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area is a premier destination for those looking to explore horse trails in Illinois. JEPC has 26 miles of trails amidst one of the state’s largest public access areas. Located in Chandlerville, in west central Illinois, the area is equipped with a large car/trailer parking lot specifically designed to accommodate equestrian visitors with horse trailers. The park’s equestrian campground includes 51 electric hookup sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for riders and their horses.
Access to the diverse trail system, which includes a 9-mile north loop and southern loops of 11 and 6 miles, is available year-round. However, visitors should note specific closures during turkey seasons, deer firearm season, and upland game season. JEPC’s mature forest, agricultural land, grasslands, and rare hill prairie support a diverse ecosystem. With opportunities for hunting, fishing, and immersing oneself in nature, Jim Edgar Panther Creek provides an expansive backdrop for adventurers exploring the natural beauty of Illinois.
Jubilee College State Park
In Peoria County, between Kickapoo and Brimfield, Jubilee College State Park is an idyllic setting for equestrians looking for horse trails in Illinois. With a dedicated equestrian camping area at the park’s north end, the facility caters to riders looking for a rustic outdoor adventure. This 3,200-acre park, rich in both natural beauty and history, offers more than 45 miles of multi-use trails that originate from the equestrian camping area. The area is equipped with drinking water, toilet facilities, a shelter house, picnic tables, and grills.
The park’s trails and equestrian campground are open from April 16 to November 14, creating a seasonal opportunity for riders. Beyond horseback riding, the park’s diverse ecosystem is characterized by its Illinoisan drift plain with complex valley systems, steep ravines, and Jubilee Creek. Visitors have a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including over 160 species of birds and numerous fish species.
Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, situated just 6 miles north of the I-74 exit at Oakwood in Vermilion County, offers a serene retreat for equestrians with 35 miles of marked scenic trails. These trails, perfect for both horseback riding and cross-country skiing, showcase the diverse beauty of Illinois’ natural landscapes. The scenic trails wind through 2,700 acres of grasslands, forests, and croplands that serve as excellent habitats for local wildlife. The area is named after the Middle Fork branch of the Vermilion River that flows through it.
Equestrian campers will find convenient access to all marked trails from the parking lot near the office. In addition to the equestrian offerings, nearby Kickapoo State Park extends the adventure with 9 miles of designated hiking trails, family camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and even horse rentals for short trail rides. The Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for those exploring horse trails in Illinois.
Siloam Springs State Park
In west central Illinois, Siloam Springs State Park is located just minutes east of Quincy in Adams County. It offers a tranquil retreat for equestrians with 23 miles of horse trails that traverse through the park’s breathtaking ridgetops and steep, wooded valleys. This park, rich in history and natural beauty, includes a dedicated camping area for riders. The campground is equipped with water and limited electricity.
The origins of Siloam Springs date back to the military tract of western Illinois which rewarded veterans with land, including George Meyers in 1852. Meyers was a veteran of the Black Hawk and Mexican wars. Named for its legendary medicinal springs, discovered post-Civil War, the park has grown since its state dedication in 1956. It encompasses 3,323 acres of stunning woodland, a 58-acre lake created by an earthen dam, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Beyond horseback riding, the park is perfect for those interested in hunting, fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, hiking, or bird watching.
Horse Trailers for Sale in Illinois at Kate’s Trailer Sales
The spirit of adventure for equestrian enthusiasts is alive and thriving here in Illinois, thanks to the state’s diverse and captivating landscapes. At Kate’s Trailer Sales in Arthur, we’re here to ensure that your journey to these exquisite trails is as smooth and enjoyable as the ride itself. With a selection of horse trailers for sale from trusted brands like Delta and Sundowner, we provide the safety, comfort, and reliability you need to transport your horses. Whether you’re heading to the serene paths of Jubilee College State Park or the expansive trails of Jim Edgar Panther Creek.
Our collection of trailers for sale caters to every equestrian adventurer’s needs, featuring everything from compact trailers for quick excursions to spacious models with living quarters for those longer stays. Visit us to tour our trailers, and make more unforgettable memories on these Illinois horse trails. Let us help you and your horse travel with confidence and peace of mind. Our team will ensure that you’re well-equipped for the journey ahead.
