Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Welcome to the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area, a sprawling preserve of wetlands over 24,000 acres in size located near Grafton, Illinois.

Preserve History: The area around the Mississippi River has a geological history dating back millions of years. The region's bedrock is sedimentary rock with a depth of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Much of the landscape was carved out by glacial retreat at the end of the Wisconsinan ace age that widened the region's valleys and deposited a great amount of silt and gravel. Archeological research has found traces of four cultural periods in this region, the Paleo (5000BC and older), Eastern Archaic (5000-10000BC, Woodland (2000BC to 1400AD), and Mississippian (800-1700AD). Europeans arrived in the region in the mid-18th century and by 1824 the Mississippi River had become and important transportation route.

For the lover of the outdoors this preserve several boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic sites. Come on out and explore.

To contact the park office please call 618-376-3303.