Beall Woods State Park

Beall Woods State Park is a protected natural area with over 600 acres of land, most of which consists of original hardwood forest. The old trees can reach heights of over 120 feet and grow right alongside the Wabash River.

The Beall family protected this forest from the early 19th century until the state of Illinois took over the area in 1965 for public use. This rescue preserved a rare remnant of forest that once covered large portions of the region.

The visitor center features displays about trees and plants that grow naturally in this region. Guests can learn how diverse the Eastern Woodlands ecosystem is and what species thrive in this area.

The grounds offer several walking trails of varying lengths plus spots for picnicking and fishing along the river. Visitors should wear good footwear since the paths pass through moist forest areas.

The area is home to an American sweetgum tree that stands over 150 feet tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 2 meters, making it one of the largest of its kind in Illinois. This exceptional tree captures attention with its massive size and stands as a natural wonder for visitors.

Location: Wabash County

Inception: 1966

Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/BeallWoods.aspx

GPS coordinates: 38.35860,-87.82500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02