Fox Ridge State Park

Welcome to Fox Ridge State Park, a place of lush valleys and rugged wooded ridges located on the banks of the Embarras River in central Illinois's hill country near Charleston. This beautiful state park boasts miles of multipurpose trails, two canoe launches, several picnic shelters, and a lake stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegill. All fishing requires making a reservation ahead of time.

Park History: Native American artifacts dating back several centuries have been unearthed in this park and it is believed that the Piankashaw and Illinois tribes dominated the land until they were forced out by the Kickapoo in the late 17th century. The first European settlers of the region stayed close to their main source of water, fishing, and transportation, the Embarras River. They used the river to transport their livestock to customers as far south as New Orleans before the construction of the railroads. In the late 1930's the land was acquired by the State of Illinois and the Civilian Conservation Corps as well as local residents from Charleston helped to develop the park's amenities.

Wildlife: This park is the home to numerous wild animals. These animals include foxes, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, rabbits, owls, pheasants, and others. The park's 12 acre lake is stocked with bass, catfish, bluegill, and walleye. Please treat their home with respect.

To contact the office please call 217-345-6416.