Sand Ridge State Forest

Sand Ridge State Forest is a state conservation area in Macon County, Illinois, covering about 7,200 acres with multiple habitat types. The landscape includes oak-hickory woodlands, pine plantations, and sand prairies that create varied ecosystems throughout the property.

The conservation area was established in 1939 when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources acquired around 5,500 acres of sandy farmland. The land was designated for experimental forest management and research into sustainable forestry practices.

The forest contains an archaeological site recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. Visitors can see evidence of human settlement preserved within the natural landscape.

The forest has over 44 miles of marked hiking trails and several camping areas for visitors to use. Good entry points include Pine Campground and Horseman's Park, which serve as bases for exploring different routes.

The forest's soil is about 89 percent sand, a result of deposits from the post-glacial Kankakee Torrent geological event. This sandy composition shapes the landscape character and the types of plants that thrive here.