Shady Creek Recreation Area

Web Site:

Mississippi River Project

Managing Organization:

US Army Corps of Engineers

Contact:

John Knoble

Phone Number:

309-794-4523

Email Address:

john.f.knoble@usace.army.mil

Parking and Access Instructions:

Main entrance across railroad tracks just off Hwy 22. Day use activities mainly on the downstream end of the park. Hiking trail is on the upstream landward side of the park near campsite #23.Entry is free and open year around. There is a fee for boat launching,camping, and reserving picnic shelters during the recreation season.

Site Amenities and Recreation Opportunities:

Camping (53 sites), picnicking, fishing (boat ramp and shoreline), boating, hiking, restrooms, playground, horseshoe pits,interpretive (campfire) programs presented during the recreation season, bird watching.

Hours:

From first Friday in May until the fourth Sunday in October the park is open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm. The remainder of the year the park is open 24 hours a day.

Special Closings and Special Events:

Park opens for camping annually on the first Friday in May, closes on the fourth Sunday in October. Periodic closings may occur due to river flooding.

Natural Site Characteristics:

Main channel access to the river. Upland habitat and some restored prairie. Mississippi River Project is a Globally Important Bird Area where many species of neo-tropical migrants will spend a portion of the year. Also able to view bald eagles, white pelicans, and shoreline species at different times of the year. Migrating waterfowl in spring and fall.

Acreage:

31 acres