Great Quality of Life in DeWitt County
Art, Attractions, History, Recreation
DeWitt County
Development Council
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Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton
310 North Quincy Street
Clinton, IL 61727-1300
(217) 935-5174
Clinton, IL 61727-1300
www.warner.lib.il.us
Farmer City Public Library
109 East Green Street
Farmer City, IL 61842-1508
(309) 928-9532
Farmer City, IL 61842-1508
Clinton:
- Business and Trade Expo – Last Wednesday in March
- Salt Creek Quilters Guild - 4th weekend in March
- DeWitt County Museum/C.H. Moore Homestead – April through December
- Clinton Area Farmers and Artisans Market – May through October
- Springtacular Regional Chili Cook-Off – 2nd Saturday in May
- May Days – 3rd weekend in May
- Barn Quilt Tours – May and September
- Fourth of July Fireworks and Tour DeWitt Bike Ride – July 4
- DeWitt County 4H Fair – 3rd weekend in July
- Annual Chamber Golf Outing at Clinton County Club - August
- Apple and Pork Festival – last weekend in September
- Rib Cook Off – 2nd Saturday in September
- Hunnert Car Pile Up on the Square – first weekend in October
- Farmer’s Market – May through October
- Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm – September through October
- Terror on Washington Haunted House- Weekends in October
- Trick or Treating on Mr. Lincoln’s Square – last Saturday in October
- Clinton’s Annual Light up the Night Christmas Parade – December
- Santa’s House on Mr. Lincoln’s Square – weekends in December
- Holiday Tour of Homes – 1st weekend in December
- Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibits – year round
• Farmer City Historical Museum and Genealogical Society
• Indoor and Outdoor BMX races
• Annual Car Show on the Square – (1st Saturday in June)
• The Liquid Edge Ski Instruction and Boat Sales
• Double Lung Archery
• Annual Summer Celebration on the Square - Saturday, 7-3-2010
• DeWitt County Fair – Week of July19, 2010
• Farmer City Raceway – April through September
• Annual Christmas Parade - (Sunday before Thanksgiving)
• Woodlawn Country Club 9-hole Golf Course
Kenney:
• Fall Festival – 1st weekend after Labor Day
• Fireman’s Chicken Fry – Fall Festival
• Annual Kenney Heritage Association (KHA) Festival of Trees – December
Weldon:
Weldon Springs State Park:
• Goose Neck Grill
• Union School Interpretive Center
• Veteran's Point
• Weldon Springs Foundation
Clinton Lake Mascoutin State Recreation Area:
• Fishing Contests – Spring through Fall
Clinton Lake Recreational Area
Recreational opportunities abound at this 4,900-acre lake, in a 9,300-acre State Recreational Area, just 3 miles east of Clinton in central Illinois. Activities offered are picnicking, hiking and camping, swimming, water skiing, boating, fishing and hunting for upland game.
• Annual Car Show on the Square – (1st Saturday in June)
• The Liquid Edge Ski Instruction and Boat Sales
• Double Lung Archery
• Annual Summer Celebration on the Square - Saturday, 7-3-2010
• DeWitt County Fair – Week of July19, 2010
• Farmer City Raceway – April through September
• Annual Christmas Parade - (Sunday before Thanksgiving)
• Woodlawn Country Club 9-hole Golf Course
Kenney:
• Fall Festival – 1st weekend after Labor Day
• Fireman’s Chicken Fry – Fall Festival
• Annual Kenney Heritage Association (KHA) Festival of Trees – December
Weldon:
Weldon Springs State Park:
• Goose Neck Grill
• Union School Interpretive Center
• Veteran's Point
• Weldon Springs Foundation
Clinton Lake Mascoutin State Recreation Area:
• Fishing Contests – Spring through Fall
- Speed Boat Races –2012
Clinton Lake Recreational Area
Recreational opportunities abound at this 4,900-acre lake, in a 9,300-acre State Recreational Area, just 3 miles east of Clinton in central Illinois. Activities offered are picnicking, hiking and camping, swimming, water skiing, boating, fishing and hunting for upland game.
History
Prior to the arrival of settlers in the area, the land on which the park rests primarily was upland prairie and bottomland deciduous forest. Historians believe the area likely was the site of small villages and hunting camps of tribes of the Illini Confederacy. Kickapoo also likely were in the area until the 1820’s. The first permanent European-born settlers came to the area in the 1830’s. Many of them came from Kentucky and Tennessee and farmed the land. Most of the area had been used as pasture or cropland at the time
construction of the 4,900-acre lake began in the 1970s.
Prior to the arrival of settlers in the area, the land on which the park rests primarily was upland prairie and bottomland deciduous forest. Historians believe the area likely was the site of small villages and hunting camps of tribes of the Illini Confederacy. Kickapoo also likely were in the area until the 1820’s. The first permanent European-born settlers came to the area in the 1830’s. Many of them came from Kentucky and Tennessee and farmed the land. Most of the area had been used as pasture or cropland at the time
construction of the 4,900-acre lake began in the 1970s.
Fishing
There are special piers at the Mascoutin Access Area, the Spillway Access Area and the Valley Mill Bank Fishing Area for the disabled. Clinton Lake is one of the best lakes in the state for catfish. Most of them are taken from the banks, or in the upper arms of the lake. Hybrid and pure striped bass fishing is very popular here with numerous fish more than 10 pounds taken every year. The bridges are excellent places to catch them from the bank and boaters can hit the Old Creek channels or submerged flats. The spillway area yields large numbers of walleye and stripers, as well as crappie and catfish. Clinton Lake also provides good action for largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, and bluegill. Special size and creel limits are in effect for most species.
There are special piers at the Mascoutin Access Area, the Spillway Access Area and the Valley Mill Bank Fishing Area for the disabled. Clinton Lake is one of the best lakes in the state for catfish. Most of them are taken from the banks, or in the upper arms of the lake. Hybrid and pure striped bass fishing is very popular here with numerous fish more than 10 pounds taken every year. The bridges are excellent places to catch them from the bank and boaters can hit the Old Creek channels or submerged flats. The spillway area yields large numbers of walleye and stripers, as well as crappie and catfish. Clinton Lake also provides good action for largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, and bluegill. Special size and creel limits are in effect for most species.
Boating
Clinton Lake is No Wake for all boats from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise with the exception of waterfowl hunters. There are no horsepower limitations in the lake’s main basin, however sail boating is popular. When the wind gets up, the lake can be very rough. Small watercraft are urged to stick to the north fork arm of Salt Creek on rough days. There are six public boat ramps and one canoe launch. The Clinton Lake Marina is located 1 mile north of Illinois Route 10, and has a bait and tackle shop as well as gas, food and sundries. Slip rental, and boat sales service are also available. The property adjacent to the Marina is occupied by the CLSA - Clinton Lake Sailing Association
Clinton Lake is No Wake for all boats from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise with the exception of waterfowl hunters. There are no horsepower limitations in the lake’s main basin, however sail boating is popular. When the wind gets up, the lake can be very rough. Small watercraft are urged to stick to the north fork arm of Salt Creek on rough days. There are six public boat ramps and one canoe launch. The Clinton Lake Marina is located 1 mile north of Illinois Route 10, and has a bait and tackle shop as well as gas, food and sundries. Slip rental, and boat sales service are also available. The property adjacent to the Marina is occupied by the CLSA - Clinton Lake Sailing Association
Swimming and Water Skiing
At the DNR Park, a, 1,000-foot white sand beach awaits swimmers. The beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, 7 days per week, weather permitting. There is a changing facility with showers and restrooms. There are no lifeguards. Waterskiing is permitted from the Route 54 bridge to the Route 48 bridge. Beach fees are $1 per day per person. Swimming is also allowed in other areas of the lake but is not allowed within 100 yards of bridges, boat ramps, or boat docks.
Trails
The DNR park offers three hiking trails. The 5 mile Houseboat Cove Trail north of the beach follows the shoreline and comes back through the woods. It is easy to moderate in difficulty. The 9.3 mile North Fork Trail is more challenging. It runs through the steeply wooded banks of the lake, but provides views of the lake and opportunities to view wildlife. There are no exits anywhere, so be prepared for 4.2 miles up and 5.1 miles back. A ten mile equestrian/hiking/cross-country ski trail is located on the north side of the lake east of the Parnell Access Area. Horse trailer parking is at that location. The area is now equipped with a wheelchair ramp for mounting horses. All equestrian trails are closed to horses from Oct. 1st to the end of archery deer season.
The DNR park offers three hiking trails. The 5 mile Houseboat Cove Trail north of the beach follows the shoreline and comes back through the woods. It is easy to moderate in difficulty. The 9.3 mile North Fork Trail is more challenging. It runs through the steeply wooded banks of the lake, but provides views of the lake and opportunities to view wildlife. There are no exits anywhere, so be prepared for 4.2 miles up and 5.1 miles back. A ten mile equestrian/hiking/cross-country ski trail is located on the north side of the lake east of the Parnell Access Area. Horse trailer parking is at that location. The area is now equipped with a wheelchair ramp for mounting horses. All equestrian trails are closed to horses from Oct. 1st to the end of archery deer season.
Picnicking
Day use areas are located around the lake with tables, stoves, water, playground equipment and toilet facilities. They are all accessible to the disabled. Shelters are available at the Mascoutin, Weldon, West Side and Peninsula access area. Mascoutin, Weldon and Peninsula have electricity. Weldon also has an open, grassy area along the shoreline for softball or fishing. A nearby wooded picnic area provides shaded protection during those long, hot summer days.
Day use areas are located around the lake with tables, stoves, water, playground equipment and toilet facilities. They are all accessible to the disabled. Shelters are available at the Mascoutin, Weldon, West Side and Peninsula access area. Mascoutin, Weldon and Peninsula have electricity. Weldon also has an open, grassy area along the shoreline for softball or fishing. A nearby wooded picnic area provides shaded protection during those long, hot summer days.
Hunting
More than 2,900 huntable acres are available at Clinton Lake. The most common species are rabbit, pheasant, squirrel and dove, although quail and woodcock also are hunted. Deer can be taken in season by archery only. Limited muzzle loading deer hunting and shotgun turkey hunting is also available. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the main lake basin from anchored boat blinds only. Walk in waterfowl hunting is permitted from numbered posts located north of the IL Rt. 54 bridge and east of the bridge at the Parnell Boat Access Area. The DNR park offers an archery range, complete with a shooting tower, just east of the North Fork boat access area. An area near the site DNR park office is being developed for wheelchair accessible waterfowl, forest and upland game hunters. A special annual youth pheasant hunt will be conducted in October at Clinton Lake.
More than 2,900 huntable acres are available at Clinton Lake. The most common species are rabbit, pheasant, squirrel and dove, although quail and woodcock also are hunted. Deer can be taken in season by archery only. Limited muzzle loading deer hunting and shotgun turkey hunting is also available. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the main lake basin from anchored boat blinds only. Walk in waterfowl hunting is permitted from numbered posts located north of the IL Rt. 54 bridge and east of the bridge at the Parnell Boat Access Area. The DNR park offers an archery range, complete with a shooting tower, just east of the North Fork boat access area. An area near the site DNR park office is being developed for wheelchair accessible waterfowl, forest and upland game hunters. A special annual youth pheasant hunt will be conducted in October at Clinton Lake.
Winter Sports
Clinton Lake offers ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling on the lake when the ice is thick enough. The North Fork and the coves on Salt Creek are good for ice fishing and skating. The hiking and
equestrian trails double as cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Clinton Lake offers ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling on the lake when the ice is thick enough. The North Fork and the coves on Salt Creek are good for ice fishing and skating. The hiking and
equestrian trails double as cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Camping
The DNR park offers 17 Class AA campsites, 286 Class A campsites and 5 Class B/S campsites at Clinton Lake with showers and almost all are adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Besides the DNR facilities there are two private camp grounds that provide 105 camp and 80 RV sites.
The DNR park offers 17 Class AA campsites, 286 Class A campsites and 5 Class B/S campsites at Clinton Lake with showers and almost all are adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Besides the DNR facilities there are two private camp grounds that provide 105 camp and 80 RV sites.
Concessions
Currently the DNR park has the only concession along the lake which is located adjacent to the swim beach or accessible by car. This concession, Boondocks, with indoor and outdoor dining, serves
sandwiches, beverages, snacks and its ever popular fish dinner. It also provides bait, camping supplies and ice. Boondocks is a seasonal operation open during warm weather, from April to November.
Clinton Lake is convenient to a large population spread across a number of cities. It is:
• approximately an hour’s drive from Bloomington and Normal;
• about 45 minutes from Decatur;
• about 40 minutes from Urbana and Champaign;
• about 90 minutes from Springfield and Peoria;
• just over two hours from the cities of the Illinois River Valley -- LaSalle, Peru, and Ottawa;
• just over two and a half hours from Chicago and Indianapolis; and
• just under three hours from St. Louis and the Quad Cities
Currently the DNR park has the only concession along the lake which is located adjacent to the swim beach or accessible by car. This concession, Boondocks, with indoor and outdoor dining, serves
sandwiches, beverages, snacks and its ever popular fish dinner. It also provides bait, camping supplies and ice. Boondocks is a seasonal operation open during warm weather, from April to November.
Clinton Lake is convenient to a large population spread across a number of cities. It is:
• approximately an hour’s drive from Bloomington and Normal;
• about 45 minutes from Decatur;
• about 40 minutes from Urbana and Champaign;
• about 90 minutes from Springfield and Peoria;
• just over two hours from the cities of the Illinois River Valley -- LaSalle, Peru, and Ottawa;
• just over two and a half hours from Chicago and Indianapolis; and
• just under three hours from St. Louis and the Quad Cities
In short, the lake is under three hours from four metro areas and under an hour from half a dozen smaller ones.
Murals of Clinton, IL