Apple River Canyon STATE PARK ▼T * v <\ ] H IV Al^ DOCUMENTS \ Illinois Department of iAKJ 2 4 200 V Natural Resources 1 IRRARY QTATF ii i ixiAlC UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 121880485 The Park Apple River Canyon State Park is in the hilly northwest part of Illinois in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border. This scenic canyon area was formed by the action of the winding waters of Apple River. Limestone bluffs, deep ravines, springs, streams and wildlife characterize this area which was once part of a vast sea bottom that stretched from the Alleghenies to the Rockies. History The town of Millville was established where the park is now, but not a trace of it remains. Named after its two sawmills, Millville became a stop on the Galena-Chicago stage route and flourished until 1854 when the Illinois Central Railroad, building its line from Freeport to Galena, passed four miles north of the town. In 1892 a devastating flood washed out the dam, swept away many buildings and drove out the people of the town forever. The park was purchased by the State of Illinois in 1932. Today it totals 523 acres. The Natural Scene Flowing endlessly for countless centuries, the Apple River has cut through the masses of limestone, dolomite and shale until massive cliffs now rise high above the water and canyons have formed. Vast ages of water and erosion widened and deepened the crevices as rivers and streams cut their way through the stone. Close-up views of the colorful canyon reveal walls dotted with mosses, lichens and tenacious bushes which have found crevices to hold their roots on the sheer walls. The glacial sweep which ironed out hills and filled valleys in other parts of the state left this area unscratched. This circumstance accounts for the large number of fossil remains to be found near the surface here. It also was responsible for the easy availability of the lead veins that has much to do with the early development of this section of Illinois. The park contains such wildlife as deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, eagles, hawks and 47 varieties of birds. At least 14 different ferns and more than 500 different herbaceous plants and 165 varieties of flowers can be seen throughout the park. Facilities Picnicking: Four picnic areas with tables, drinking water and Apple River meets these requirements. However, the fish do not toilets are along the river's banks. There are also three shelters. live through the hot summer months, so the stream is stocked Cooking may be done on camp or park stoves. Playground on a put-and-take basis. equipment is provided in the youth group camping and main Swimming: Swimming, wading and rafting are not allowed. picnic areas. Boating: Boating is not permitted on the Apple River. Camping: In addition to primitive sites, the park offers trailer Trails: Five trails — Pine Ridge, Tower Rock, River Route, sites with a sanitary dump station. Camping permits must be Sunset and Primrose — wind through the woods, bluffs and obtained from the park office. A youth group camping area is along the scenic Apple River. Trails average 1.5 miles in length. also available. Youth groups are required to have reservations. Nearby: Other DNR-managed properties within Jo Daviess Fishing: The Apple River has a variety of fish including County are near Apple River Canyon State Park, including Witkowsky smallmouth bass, sunfish. crappie. carp and suckers. When Wildlife Area and Tapley Woods Nature Preserve, both of which economically feasible the Illinois Department of Natural offer public hunting. Wards Grove Nature Preserve and Hanover Resources stocks Apple River with keeper-size trout. The river is Bluff Nature Preserve are also nearby. For information about one of several in the state where the department releases this these areas or the park, contact Apple River Canyon State Park, fish. Trout require clean, clear, cold water and in the spring 8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, III. 61001, phone (815) 745-3302. Apple River Canyon State Park Canyon Ridge Camping Area Primrose / N Nature / Trail Walnut Grove Youth Group Camping Area ^Applet- Devil’s Hollow / Sunset / Nature Trail / Pine Ridge Nature Trail ' & S = ( / £ I , // // f/ a <?/ i ^ \ ■3 Campground J «\ Concession Dump Station _Wisconsm Nature Trail Apple River Warren Apple River Canyon Parking Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park State Park Park Office Stockton Picnic Shelter Restroom 1129 00957529 1 Apple River Canyon State Park 8763 E. Canyon Rd., Apple River, III. 61001, 815-745-3302 ■Park open daily except Christmas Day. ■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 state parks write to the Illinois Depart¬ ment of Natural Resources. Office of Public Service, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, III., 62701-1787, or call (217) 782-7454. ■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 Illinois Bell Relay Number 800-526-0844 Jim Edgar Brent Manning Governor Director, Dept, of Natural Resources The Illinois Department ot Natural Resources Coes not discriminate based upon race color national origin age sex or disability in its programs services activities and facilities If you believe you have been discriminated against or if you wish additional information please contact the Department at (2i7| 78b-0067 TDOi2i7| 782-917b or the U S Department of the Interior Office of Equal Employment Washington D C 20240 Printed by authority of The State of Illinois X702422 50M 03/97