Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

NOTICE: 

The Controlled Pheasant Program is will now be run through IDNR. Please go to: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/controlledpheasanthunting.html for all the up-to-date information.

The trap range and archery range are open annually March 1 – August 31^st, 7 days a week 7 am to sunset.

 Both are closed annually September 1^st – 5^th for the first five days of dove season.

For 2023-2024: the ranges will open back up seven days a week September 6^th – November 2^nd. Starting November 3^rd, they will be open Monday – Thursday, then closed Friday – Sunday until the end of pheasant season December 31^st.  January 1^st – January 14^th both ranges will be open 7 days a week. January 15^th – February 29^th both ranges will be closed completely for coyote season.

The equestrian trail is closed annually September 1^st – 30^th for dove season.

For 2023-2024: The trail will be open October 1^st – November 2^nd, then closed November 3^rd – December 31^st. It will reopen January 1^st – 14^th, and then be closed January 15^th – April 14^th. April 15^th, it reopens until Fall 2024.

December 1^st – April 1^st the West entrance of the park closes for winter.

The Youth Area Campground is currently closed.

A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not freeze, and visitors marvel at the bordering beds of watercress. Majestic oaks and prairie grasslands provide a panorama of natural beauty to park visitors. The Fox River runs through this picturesque area, which is also home to several small manmade lakes. A natural prairie restoration project gives visitors a feeling of the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl and upland game. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are popular pastimes in summer, with ice fishing, sledding, ice skating and cross-country ski trails available for the winter sports lover. For relaxing, exercising or just enjoying nature, Silver Springs is the perfect getaway location.