Rock Island Trail State Park

Site Brochure

Beauty and solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic, await visitors at Rock Island Trail State Park. Stretching for 26 miles from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County, the park offers many natural and architectural attractions in a tree-canopied corridor that is only 50 to 100 feet wide.

Prairie grasses and wildflowers co-exist as remnants of early rail travel along the trail. Just north of Alta, an arched culvert provides a lovely backdrop for the natural beauty of the area. At the Peoria and Stark County line, a tall grass prairie remnant provides a step back into time and allows visitors to see the Illinois that the early settlers experienced. Just a few miles from the Toulon access area, a trestle bridge spans the Spoon River between Wyoming and Toulon. A few miles further south, the Wyoming Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Depot stands as a mute testimony to the hundreds of passengers who traveled along the railway just 100 years ago.

Directions

The Rock Island Trail State Park stretches from Alta to Toulon, encountering Dunlap, Princeville and Wyoming along the way. The park office located in Wyoming can be reached from I-80 and I-74.

If traveling I-80, approximately 12 miles west of Princeton, take Rt 40 south. Continue south to Rt. 17. Turn right (west) on Rt. 17. Drive approximately 7 miles to Wyoming. At the 4-way stop in Wyoming, turn left (east). Drive 3 blocks, and you will see the water tower on your right. The park office is located ½ block past (east of) the tower in the Railroad Depot. Park office is located at mile #20 on the trail.

If traveling I-74, at the northwest corner of Peoria, take Rte 6 north to Chillicothe exit (the outer loop 474 turns into Rte 6 north at the junction of I-74). Drive to 3rd exit-"Allen Road" exit. Turn left (north) onto Allen Rd. After approximately 1 mile, the road will curve to the left, follow the left curve. You will be driving through Alta at this curve. Drive 7 tenths of a mile past the curve to Rock Island Trail parking lot on the right (north) side of Alta Rd. This is "Mile 0" of the trail.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. 

We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.