Kennekuk County Park

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.

Kennekuk County Park Sign

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
Kennekuk Visitor Center

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.

Kennekuk Lake Mingo

Lake Mingo

170-acre Lake and the last lake built in the Midwest with a dam consisting of gates controlling water levels

Kennekuk Middle Fork River

Middle Fork River

Vermilion County has access in Kennekuk County Park to Illinois’ only National Scenic River through the efforts of the Vermilion County Conservation District.

Kennekuk Marshes Vermilion County Illinois

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.

Kennekuk Bunker Hill Historic Area

Bunker Hill Historic Area

A collection of historical buildings which would be found in a small town in the early to mid 20th century

Kennekuk Bunker Hill Herb Garden

Bunker Hill Herb Garden

Designed and cared for by the Illinois Extension College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Kennekuk Laury Barn

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)

Kennekuk The Hideaway Building

The Hideaway

Available for event and party rental. (By Reservation Only)

Kennekuk Heritage Memorial Forest

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.

 
 
 
 
Kennekuk Lake Mingo Trail

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.

Kennekuk Environmental Education Building In Progress

VCCF Projects

  • The Kennekuk Environmental Education Center
  • Renovation of the 1943 Laury Barn with purchase of new timbers
  • Well drilling at the Laury Barn