Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area is a 1,365-acre park in Henry County with rolling terrain, hardwood and pine forests, and open grasslands. A central 58-acre lake with roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline creates a focal point for the park.

Sauk, Fox, and Winnebago tribes built villages in this region and used local resources and trails that later became known as Sauk Trail. The park's name reflects this long indigenous presence.

Ryan's Round Barn, built in 1910, sits within the park and shows how farmers once designed structures with its distinctive circular form. The building lets visitors connect with the agricultural practices that shaped this area.

The park opens and closes based on the season, with longer hours during warmer months. Visitors can plan for camping, boating, and hiking among the main activities available.

The park contains skunk cabbage plants that grow here in an uncommon way for this part of Illinois and even bloom during colder months. This makes it a special place for nature lovers interested in observing unusual plants.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 41.32140,-89.89030

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41