Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna: A paradise for hikers, campers, nature-lovers

SAVANNA – As parks and natural areas in Illinois reopen, people who’ve been itching to cure their coronavirus cabin fever have been getting back to nature – and they’ve been heading to one of the state’s premier parks to do it.

Mississippi Palisades State Park is a towering presence in northwest Illinois. This once-wild land has been tamed a bit, but not so much that it’s lost its beauty, or its edge.

Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers, the 2,500-acre park north of Savanna is known for towering bluffs, expansive river views, well-maintained trails, and perfect picnicking spots – picnic tables are spread throughout.

Rock climbers, nature photographers and campers will find it a great place to spend a weekend, or just a day. The park is open dawn to dusk, and pets are welcome on a leash.

The park takes its name from its most stunning features: Palisades are a line of high, steep cliffs commonly seen along a river.

In making their way across untamed land, Native American pathfinders sought the paths of least resistance nearly a thousand years ago. Today, hikers can follow in their footsteps, traversing some of the same trails those early explorers took.

It's in fact a perfect park for people of all ages and hiking abilities.Trails range in difficulty, from leisurely to hearty, and some are handicap-accessible.

Elsewhere, paved roads, some of which feature steep climbs and descents, take visitors through the park; locations to explore are clearly marked along the way.

Palisades was designated a Natural National Landmark by the U.S. Interior Department in 1973; a stone monument near the a pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps marks this designation.

The park has 241 Class A and B campsites, which are very much in demand right now, especially as Illinois continues is phased reopening. Electrical hookups are available at 110 sites, and showers and restrooms are nearby, open to the public through Oct. 31.

Two primitive youth camping sites are available, and reservations for all camping accommodations can be made at ReserveAmerica.com.

Site Superintendent Jay Nottrott has noticed an uptick in campers and visitors since the park began welcoming back guests in late May. He expects that trend to continue this summer as people have more time for recreation and relaxation.

Park staff have been busy with a couple projects, including removing nonnative species and restoring the nature preserve to a more natural state, and clear trees on the creek near the campground, which will help the creek’s flow and reduce flooding.

The park’s myriad natural features are its main draw.

Limestone caves lurk below the landscape while otherworldly rock formations dot the surface.

One, Indian Head, is visible from state Route 84 and bears a remarkable resemblance to a grandfather figure of lore in its massive aquiline shape. The formation can be reached by trail, leading to another spectacular view of the Mississippi River and the bridge from Savanna to Sabula, Iowa.

The Twin Sisters is another intriguing product of centuries of erosion. Nestled among the bluffs, it inspires awe and reflection, as the timelessness of the landscape comes into full view.

For the more adventurous, the park is one of the few sites in the state to allow rock climbing. Fishing is allowed all year round, and hunters also gather at the park each year for archery and firearm hunting for deer and wild turkey.

In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and sledding.

The trails and ravines at the Palisades are a cherished component of the park. The park is home to 11 marked trails in a rugged 15-mile trail system, with varying degrees of ease and difficulty.

There are five trails in the northern part of the park that are wider and less strenuous than those in the southern part of the park – those are narrow and close to the bluff, and caution needs to be exercised, especially after rains. A site brochure can be picked up at the main office, complete with a map for navigation.

The North System trails include High Point at 1.5 miles and Aspen at 1.7 miles; in the South System is the Sentinel at 1.0 miles, and Oak Point, with a surfaced trail that is handicap accessible. There is also Ozzie’s Point, Louis’ Point, and Lookout Point, all of which have surfaced trails leading to an overlook.

Lookout Point is the local favorite, as evidenced by a deck on the bluffs with years of graffiti carved into the wood railings.

The spectacular views offer an experience you won’t soon forget. Visible from this high point are the channels of the Mississippi River, with green islands of trees, barges in the throes of commerce, and migrating birds traversing the by-way. Eagles, pelicans, vultures and various waterfowl and shorebirds may be spotted by the astute observer from high on the bluff.

The park is also home to an abundance of other critters, such as wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, squirrels, skunks, red and gray fox, woodchucks, muskrats, and varieties of birds. Weasels, mink and badgers also are known to make their home in the park.

Palisades also features the Sentinel Nature Preserve, a designated sanctuary for native plants and animals, and a prairie restoration project.

Three miles south of Palisades is the city of Savanna, which is a charming destination in itself. It offers restaurants, grocery stores, fast food, a castle on a bluff, and a thriving Main Street with fascinating shops (including Frank Fritz of “American Pickers” fame). Fishing and boating ramps are located across from the park, and the river access areas are free.

Whether a weekend, week day or weeklong getaway is calling you, Mississippi Palisades State Park is a great place to go to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.

The park is at 16327A state Route 84 in Savanna. Go to www.dnr.illinois.gov or call 815-273-2731 for more information.