Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Welcome to the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, a 26 square mile area of forestland and grassland. This is one of largest public access areas the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has to offer.  

Preserve History: Throughout the 19th century this region was mainly used for farming. In the 1960's and 1970's the land was purchased by Commonwealth Edison for the construction of a coal fired power plant and 5,000 acre cooling lake. In the 1980's the company abandoned it's plans to build a power plant and put the land on the market. In June 1993, the State of Illinois purchased the land and today it helps protect habitat for plants such as duckweed, black willow, reed canary grass, walnuts, and oaks and animals such as deer, turkeys, doves, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. Please treat their home with respect.  

For the lover of the outdoors this preserve boasts several fishing ponds and boat ramps, miles of multipurpose trails, two campgrounds, several picnic areas, and an archery range. Come on out and have fun.

19 of the park's campsites are full hookup sites. To contact the park office please call 217-452-7741.