Iroquois County State Wildlife Area is situated in a low glacial outwash plain associated with the Kankakee River Valley that consists of marshland, sand ridges and dunes. The initial acquisition of land occurred in 1944 for the purpose of protecting Illinois' declining prairie chicken population. Prairie chickens did not survive and public hunting became the major use. The state purchased an additional 560 acres in 1984. Known as the Hooper Branch Savanna, 480 acres of this parcel is considered the largest single tract of rare native savanna remaining in Illinois. The total acreage at Iroquois County is now 2,480.

The area is located 2 miles north and 3 miles east of Beaverville, in the extreme northeast corner of Iroquois County, about 80 miles south of Chicago. The majority of the area, 2,000 acres, is managed as a public hunting area. The remainder is a dedicated nature preserve. Nonconsumptive recreation, in the form of hiking and nature study, is available when the facility is closed to hunting.

Natural Features

The Iroquois State Wildlife Area exhibits some of the finest and most extensive prairie marsh and sand dune vegetation remaining in Illinois. The occurrence of this vegetation is regulated by soil characteristics and moisture. Dry sand ridges are dominated by black oak forest. Lower lying areas range from dry prairie to marsh, depending on soil moisture. Dominant grasses on dry prairie areas are little bluestem and switch grass. Grasses such as big bluestem, Indian grass, little bluestem and switch grass are dominant on mesic (intermediate between wet and dry) prairie. Areas of wet prairie are indicated by bluejoint grass, cord grass and sedges. Several boggy areas contain plants seldom encountered elsewhere in Illinois, including blueberry, huckleberry, hardhack, march marigold, colic root, sundew (a carnivorous plant) and primrose violet.

Aside from supporting huntable populations of deer and upland game, Iroquois State Wildlife Area is inhabited by numerous, interesting non-game birds and mammals. Wet prairies and marshes provide preferred habitat for birds such as herons, bitterns, rails, snipe and marsh hawks. During migration, marshes are visited by numerous species of waterfowl and the rare sandhill crane. Mammals utilizing Iroquois’ marshlands include raccoon, muskrat, mink and beaver. Upland prairie and forest at Iroquois are inhabited by many species of songbirds. During migration the number of species that may be seen on the area is increased even further. The veery, a rare thrush, is reportedly nests in the area. Unusual mammalian species occupying the uplands include the plains pocket gopher and the southern flying squirrel.

Hooper Branch Savanna occupies the edge of the former Glacial Lake Watseka, formed 14,000 years ago moraines dammed up by glacial meltwaters. The soils of Hooper Branch Savanna are sandy, having derived from beach and nearshore sand deposits exposed to wind action. The developing dune and swale topography is quite noticeable today.

Savanna developed on the dry dune ridges while shrub prairies and mesic sand prairies developed in wetter swales. Savannas are composed of a mix of trees, prairie grasses and forbs. Savannas have a park-like appearance with widely spaced trees and little brush. Savannas are a fire-maintained natural community. Periodic fires swept through this area prior to settlement killing many small trees and shrubs. The thick bark of the large trees protected them from fire. Black oaks are the dominant savanna trees and prairie grasses including porcupine grass, june grass and little bluestem. Prairie forbs, such as puccoons, lupines, leadplant, spiderwort and butterfly weed, provide color to the savanna landscape. In the shrub prairie portions, mosses carpet the sand surface.

Hiking

Hikers will enjoy a 3/4-mile long hiking trail and a 1 mile self-guided nature trail, of which 1/3 mile is handicapped accessible. In addition, several miles of unmarked trails wind through wooded and prairie areas,showcasing interesting plant and animal life. To preserve the high-quality of the natural area, only walk-in access is allowed. Carry out all litter and do not remove any natural material.

Archery

An archery range is available in the northwest corner of the area.

Hand Trap Range

A designated shotgun-only shooting area is available daily except November and December for those wishing to warm up for the hunting season.

Dog Training

There is a designated area for training or exercising dogs. Training is closed April 1 to August 1 for the protection of breeding wildlife.

Concession

A concession operates at the headquarters during the hunting season.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers are permitted to use 12 miles of signed trails that follow the fire control lanes and service road from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. when conditions permit.

Hunting

The area is operated primarily as a permit pheasant hunting area; however, rabbit, quail and pheasant hunting are allowed after the permit hunt season has concluded. Prior to the permit portion of the hunting season, squirrel and dove provide the early hunting action. Deer hunting (bow only) is allowed prior to and following the permit hunting season. Lesser opportunities for woodcock, rail, snipe and deer (shotgun) also are available. Check with the site for upland game species and hunting dates.

  Hunter Fact Sheet

1. During the permit pheasant season, all hunters must check in and check out, before and after hunting, at the area headquarters.

2. Before and after the permit pheasant season, all hunters must check out at the area headquarters after hunting.

3. Raccoon and opossum may be taken only with a special permit issued by the site.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.