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UPDATE: Call the park office (309)446-3758 for current
trail conditions as trails may be temporarily closed under
certain weather conditions.
Jubilee College State Park is a 3,200-acre facility, located in Peoria
County between the towns of Kickapoo and Brimfield, just off U.S. Route
150. This scenic area, with its rolling topography and meandering Jubilee
Creek, offers various outdoor recreational opportunities.
History
Named Jubilee College in 1839
by its founder, Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase in expression
of his thankfulness and joy, the college was one of the earliest educational
enterprises in Illinois. Through a series of misfortunes climaxed by the
Bishop's death, the college closed in 1862. In 1933 the college and grounds,
consisting of 93 acres, were presented to the state of Illinois. Since
that time, the Department of Natural Resources increased the acreage to
3,200. The college closed in 2008, however, the college building, placed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1972, has been restored to its original appearance and is under
the management of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Natural
Features
Jubilee is situated
in the Illinoisan drift-plain and is deeply eroded into many complex
valley systems, from near-level ridgetops and floodplains to steep slope
ravines. Bedrock exposures are numerous and include shale, sandstone,
limestone and coal. The highest elevation is 660 feet. The topography
and Jubilee Creek constitute an aesthetically pleasing environment for
outdoor recreation activities, and provide habitat for numerous wildlife
and fish species. Visitors may see deer, rabbit, squirrel, fox, coyote
and raccoon throughout the forests, while the creek may offer glimpses
of mink, muskrat and beaver.
More than 160 species of
birds are present, and wild turkeys, stocked in 1988, call Jubilee home.
Jubilee Creek, a
tributary to Kickapoo Creek, passes through the park from the northwest
to southeast and is characterized by deep pools and fast riffles. The
average width is 40 feet and average depth is 4 inches. Fish species
of interest to anglers include smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish and
carp. Swimming is prohibited.
Picnicking
Several large picnic areas are located throughout the park's interior.
Each area includes a shelter with electricity, picnic tables, charcoal
grills, playground equipment, water hydrants and toilet facilities. Winter
picnicking is permitted but some areas are closed. Most areas have electricity and water, but some do not. Call the park for updates on current facilities.
Camping
| Map | Camping Fees
Campground facilities,
open from April 15 to November 1, accommodate recreational vehicles or
tents and include a shower building with flush toilets, a trailer dump
station, graveled pads and grills, water hydrants and primitive toilets.
Campsites are Class A electric and Class C with showers.
Groups are welcome. Permits are required and can be obtained from
site staff or campground host. Reservations can be made at ReserveAmerica.
Winter Camping
In the main camping
area, Coyote Cove loop is open to winter camping with Class B sites with electric and primitive
privies. No running water is available.
Equestrian
Facilities
An equestrian camping
area is located at the north end of the park. More than 45 miles of multi-use trails originate from the camping area. Horse rentals are not available.
The area includes drinking water, toilet facilities, a shelter house,
picnic tables and grills. Campsites are Class B/S ($10).
Overnight campers must self register at the self pay station or check in with the campground host located in
the equestrian campground.
Fishing
Limited fishing is
available in Jubilee Creek and in two ponds, one of which is stocked yearly.
Vehicular access is not available.
Winter
Sports
The rolling terrain
provides an excellent opportunity for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Several miles of trails are marked and groomed for skiing when the snowfall
is sufficient. Snowmobiling is permitted on marked portions of equestrian
trails during the daylight hours, when there is a 4-inch snow base.
Hunting
Approximately 2,900
acres are available for hunting. Hunters are required to register at either of the two
check stations. Turkey hunting is bow and arrow only. Shotguns may be used for other game. Contact the park office for information
and species, hunting times and dates or see the Hunter
Fact Sheet.
Help preserve
our natural heritage for all to enjoy. Put all litter in the nearest trash
receptacle. All pets must be on a 10-foot-or-less leash. Jubilee is a
place for the co-existence of nature and recreation.
Mountain Biking
Jubilee College State Park has more than 40 miles of multi-use trails that wind through woodland, hills, ravines and prairies. Mountain bikers are reminded that horses have the right-of-way on the trails. Wearing a safety helmet and bringing water is highly recommended.
Jubilee College State Park's multi-use trail system has a strong volunteer maintenance program. If you would like to assist park staff in trail care efforts call the park office at (309)446-3758.
Directions
Jubilee College State
Park can be reached from I-74.
Eastbound: Brimfield Exit #75, left to US Rte 150. Then turn right on
US Rte 150 and go 4 miles to park entrance on left.
Westbound: Kickapoo-Edwards
Exit #82, right 1.5 miles to Kickapoo. Then left onto US Rte 150 for 4
miles to park entrance on right.
- 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 Commerce and Community
Affairs' 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.
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