What To Know
Kennekuk County Park is the Vermilion County Conservation District’s Largest County Park at 3000 Acres.
Dedicated in 1976. Located along Henning Road north-west of Danville, Illinois.
Dedicated
1976
total acres
3000+ Acres
Lake Mingo
170-acre Lake
Bird Species
200 Documented
Wildflowers
400 Species Documented
What makes Kennekuk County Park Significant?
- Collins Archaeological Complex, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, also a State Historic Site
- Part of the eastern boundary of the Middle Fork National Scenic River, Illinois only National Scenic River
- 200 different species of birds documented
- 400 different species of wildflowers documented, including several rare prairie plants
- Lookout Point, one of the highest points overlooking the Middle Fork National Scenic River
Special Features of Kennekuk
- Contains three dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves
- Kennekuk Marshes, an 80-acre marsh complex for waterfowl nesting habitat
- Bunker Hill Historic Area, a collection of historical buildings which would be found in a small town in the early to mid 20th century
- Lake Mingo, a 170-acre lake and the last lake built in the Midwest with a dam consisting of gates controlling water levels
- Carl E. Pettice Canoe Access, only concrete canoe access built on a National Scenic River in the United States
- Kennekuk Visitor Center with natural habitat displays
- Herb Garden at Bunker Hill Area
- Kennekuk Environmental Education Center
- Lake Mingo Trail, a 7.2 mile hiking trail around Lake Mingo
- River Otter releases, two separate releases at Lake Mingo that constitute the largest total river otter release site in Illinois
- Holiday Lights, including the “Brooks Family Christmas”, annual drive through lighting display in the Bunker Hill Historic Area
Visitor Center
Visitor Information, Maps and natural habitat displays
The Environmental Education Center hosts thousands of Pre-K, Elementary, Jr. and Senior High, and College students annually through the VCCD Outdoor School Program, Day Visits and higher learning program opportunities. Major funding was provided by the VCC Foundation, Julius W. Hegeler II, and Cellular One.
Lake Mingo
170-acre Lake and the last lake built in the Midwest with a dam consisting of gates controlling water levels
Middle Fork River
Kennekuk Marshes
Kennekuk Marshes, an 80-acre marsh complex for waterfowl nesting habitat. Management practices were funded by the Foundation to the Kennekuk Marshes so that they may be preserved as biologically diverse systems that enhance water quality, control erosion, and provide a home to at least one-third of all threatened and endangered species.
Bunker Hill Historic Area
A collection of historical buildings which would be found in a small town in the early to mid 20th century
Bunker Hill Herb Garden
Designed and cared for by the Illinois Extension College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
Laury Barn
Reconstructed 1943 Laury Barn was made possible in December 2001 in part by the VCC Foundation. Nearly 70% of the timbers are new; 30% are 1912 originals. It is completely timber-framed. Available for event and party rental. (By Reservation Only)
The Hideaway
Available for event and party rental. (By Reservation Only)
Heritage Memorial Forest
Located across the road from the Bunker Hill Historic Area, the Memorial Forest serves as a tribute to the memory of a loved one or signifies a special occasion or event. The Heritage Memorial Forest Program was discontinued in 2007.
Hiking Trails
Seven trails offer 10 miles of walking or hiking, including the 7.5-mile Lake Mingo Trail and quarter-mile ADA Wheeler Nature Trail.
VCCF Projects
- The Kennekuk Environmental Education Center
- Renovation of the 1943 Laury Barn with purchase of new timbers
- Well drilling at the Laury Barn
Vermilion County has access in Kennekuk County Park to Illinois’ only National Scenic River through the efforts of the Vermilion County Conservation District.