Apple River Canyon State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apple River Canyon State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
The Apple River viewed from a bluff in Apple River Canyon State Park
|
|
| Location | Jo Daviess County, Illinois, United States |
| Nearest city | Stockton, Illinois |
| Area | 1,907 acres (772 ha) |
| Established | 1932 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
Apple River Canyon State Park is a beautiful Illinois state park located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. It protects a special canyon carved by the Apple River. The park covers about 1,907 acres of land. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about geology.
Discover Apple River Canyon State Park
This park began in 1932 when the state bought its first piece of land. A scientist named Herman Silas Pepoon worked hard to make this happen. Since then, more land has been added. The goal is to protect an 8.5-mile-long canyon. This canyon was formed by the Apple River.
A Special Place: The Driftless Area
The Apple River canyon is part of a unique region called the Driftless Area. This area is special because it was not covered by the last ice age. Most of Illinois was flattened by glaciers. But this part was left untouched. It still has its original hills and valleys.
During the end of the last Ice Age, something amazing happened. The Apple River used to flow east into the Pecatonica River. But then it changed direction. It started flowing southwest. This created the deep canyon you see today. The park protects a big part of this canyon.
The land here is covered with a type of soil called Loess. This soil was blown in by winds after the glaciers melted. The soils in the park are known as Lacrescent silty clay loam and Dubuque silt loam.
Fun Things to Do
Apple River Canyon State Park offers many outdoor activities. You can go hiking on several trails. These trails wind through the woods. They offer great views of the river and the tall bluffs. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers.
If you enjoy fishing, the Apple River is home to Smallmouth bass. You can also go hunting in certain areas of the park. For those who want to stay overnight, there is a tent campground available. It's a great way to experience the park's beauty up close.
