Cache River State Natural Area

Welcome to the Cache River State Natural Area located in southern Illinois near Belknap.

Park History: Cache River State Natural Area has a long and unique history. Some of the park's Cypress trees date back over 1,000 years. The floodplain that is now Cache River State Natural Area was carved out by the Ohio River's glacial floodwaters. Today this preserve's lands are ranked as some of the highest quality "natural communities" in the state and the National Park Service has designated three Natural National Landmarks inside the park's borders, Little Black Slough, Heron Pond-Wildcat Bluff, and the Section 8 Woods.

The park's landscapes of bottomland hardwood forests and swamps surrounded by the Lesser Shawnee Hills provide habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. Some of the park's plants include shagbark hickory, sweetgum, and several species of oak. Some of the wild animals inside the park include deer, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, beavers, ducks, geese, vultures, herons, owls, bats, skunks, and over 100 species classified as threatened or endangered. Today the State of Illinois is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the nature conservancy, and other organizations to protect the region's wetlands. Please respect the home of these plants and animals.

For the lover of the outdoors the Cache River State Natural Area offers over 18 miles of foot trails, 8 miles of multipurpose trails, 6 miles of canoe trails, and several spots for fishing. Come on out and explore.

To contact the park office please call 618-657-2064.