Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Looking for a new place to take your furry BFF? Pack up some snacks, water, and a leash and make your way over to Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. This beautiful slice of nature spans a total of 2,032 acres and features Spring Lake. The park runs parallel to the Illinois River and is just a bone’s throw away from Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Needless to say, there is plenty of land for your pooch to explore!

When they arrive, your pooch will pawbably want to hit the trails. Furtunately, the park has some furrific options for hiking. Five trails meander through the pawperty. At 2.5 miles, Stage Coach Road Trail is one of the longer hikes.  If your pup needs something a bit shorter, check out Deer Run Trail. Whispering Pine trail has three sections and each varies in length. Bottom line is, you are sure to find a trail that fits your doggo’s energy level.

Since this park is home to Spring Lake, you can imagine that boating and fishing are both pupular activities. The lake is actually divided in two by a slim strip of land. Both the North and South Lakes are teeming with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, sunfish, and carp, so bring along your rod and reel and see if you can’t bring in a couple whoppers! Boat launches are available on both lakes as well.

If your dog wants to stick around for an extra day or two, grab a site at either Pine Campground or Oak Campground. Since there aren’t any showers or electricity, expect to ruff it while camping here. There are also picnic areas with tables that are available for day trippers. While visiting the park, remember to always have a clean up bag on hand and ready to go, as well as water to share with your pup.

No bones about it, this park will make your pup’s tail wag!