Parks/Outdoor
Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area
Management Contact:
Name: IL Dept. of Natural Resources - West Central Region
Phone: 618-376-3303
E-Mail: r4parks@dnrmail.state.il.us
Website: http://www.dnr.st...
Imagine an area that includes 15 wildlife management areas and 13 public access areas, spanning more than 24,000 acres, and scattered along 75 miles of two major rivers. Add to this awe-inspiring bluffs that tower over the river valley, providing breathtaking views, and you begin to get some idea of what awaits you at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area (MRA).
As its name implies, the area lies within Mississippi River Navigation Pools 25 and 26, and includes portions of both the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The total project area consists of 24,386 acres of General Plan Lands. Of this total, 16,875 acres are actively managed for wetland habitat enhancement and public recreation.
The Mississippi River Area's main emphasis is wetland management, with waterfowl as the primary species of concern. Hunters, fishermen, boaters and birdwatchers can enjoy the beauty of the area, yet there is ample opportunity for access to civilization just a few miles away.
A drive along the scenic Great River Road leads through Grafton, past Elsah, a quaint 19th century village, and on to Alton, with many antique stores and other accommodations. A ride on the Brussels Ferry takes you across the Illinois River and into Calhoun County where apple orchards and roadside markets await. There is truly something for every type of visitor to the area.
History
The Mississippi River Area has a rich history. Evidence of millions of years of geological change can be seen throughout, including four to five thousand feet of sedimentary rock. The bluffs between Alton and Grafton are only a tiny fraction of the thousands of feet of rock extending below the surface.
The Ice Age saw the advancement and regression of four glaciers. The last glacier, the Wisconsin, did not enter the area, but the melting ice widened the river valleys and contributed silt, sand and gravels to the two river systems. The melding of two such major river systems strongly influenced both ancient and modern man.
Archeologists have identified four cultural periods within the Upper Mississippi River Valley. They are: Paleo (prior to 5000B.C.); Eastern Archaic (5000 to 1000 B.C.); Woodland (2000 B.C.to 1400 A.D.), and the Mississippian (800 to 1700 A.D.). The Mississippian was strongly influenced by the Woodland Culture as evidenced by large populated sites, intensive agriculture and religious cults.
Europeans began exploring the area in the mid-18th century. By 1824, the importance of the Mississippi River as a trade and transportation route had been established, and Congress appropriated $75,000 to remove dead trees (snags) from the river.
Congress appropriated funds in 1907 to create a six-foot navigation channel, but existing technology was not adequate. The 1927 River and Harbors Act authorized study of the Mississippi between Minneapolis and the Missouri River. The outcome of this study was a 1930 authorization to build 24 low-head dams with locks between Minneapolis and Alton.
In 1944, Congress approved the Flood Control Act, which authorized the development of recreational facilities on public access areas. The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1946 provided for establishment of a General Plan and Cooperative Agreement to use the navigation channel project lands and water for fish and wildlife conservation and management.
The majority of MRA lands and waters are referred to as General Plan lands, under management by the State of Illinois in accordance with a 1961 General Plan and 1963 cooperative agreement with the Department of the Interior. These lands are managed as fish and wildlife areas, while day use and access are under separate lease agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Federal Involvement
In 1937, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, better known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, imposed an 11 percent manufacturer's tax on sporting arms and ammunition, which is used to fund wildlife restoration and management activities. The Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, known as the Dingell-Johnson Act, was passed in 1950 and created a 10 percent manufacturer's tax on fishing tackle, which is used to fund fish restoration and management efforts. The MRA has participated in these federal programs since 1958. The Federal Aid was removed in Fiscal Year 1999.
Hunting | Waterfowl Hunter Fact Sheet | Mississippi River Pools 21, 22, & 24 Hunter Fact Sheet |Most of the areas within the Mississippi River Area are specifically managed for waterfowl, with 348 blind sites allocated by public drawing for three-year periods. Five waterfowl check stations are operated on the more intensively-used areas.
Forest game hunting is popular in most areas. Upland game is available, but not productive, due to annual flooding of the areas.
Hunting Maps: Mississippi River Area | Batchtown | Calhoun Point | Diamond & Hurricane Island | Glades Helmbold - 12 Mile Island | Illinois River | Piasa Island | Red's Landing | Riprap | Stump and Fuller Lake
Fishing
Anglers are welcome, but certain areas are restricted during waterfowl season. These areas are clearly posted each year.
Boating
Boating along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers provides many opportunities for relaxing, sunning, enjoying the scenic shoreline and bluffs, bird-watching and viewing the majesty of these great river systems. Smaller boats and canoes might better appreciate the shelter and quiet beauty that can be found in the backwater lakes.
Nearly 40 miles of the mighty Mississippi River are available via the Piasa Creek Access Area and Royal Landing; and the Glades, Godar Diamond, Hadley Landing and Michael Landing provide access along 35 miles of the Illinois River. All of these areas are contained in Navigation Pool 26.
Above Winfield Dam (Lock and Dam 25), Cockrell Hollow, Red's Landing and Riprap Landing provide access to 33 miles of Navigation Pool 25. Other Major Boat Access Ramps
Picnicking
In keeping with the pristine beauty of the area, picnic areas are available.
Camping
Camping is strictly prohibited in the entire MRA, but is available at Pere Marquette State Park, just north of Grafton on the Great River Road.
Directions:
From Chicago -- Take I-55 south and proceed as if from Springfield
---OR---
Take I-57 south to I-72 in Champaign. Follow I-72 west to Springfield. Proceed using directions from Springfield.
From Springfield - Follow I-55 south to Route 16 at Litchfield. Take 16 west to Route 100, about 13 miles west of Jerseyville. Turn left (south) and remain on Rte. 100 for about 5 miles. Mississippi River Area Headquarters will be on your left hand side. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am to 4pm and Tuesday and Thursday when you can catch someone in.
From St. Louis - Cross the Mississippi River on McKinley Bridge or the Popular Street Bridge. Take Route 3 north to Alton. In Alton, exit to Route 143 (West). Stay on 143 until you pass the Alton Belle Casino on your left. Then follow the signs for the Great River Road (Route 100) to Pere Marquette State Park. Remain on the Great River Road heading west/north for about 20 miles, passing through the town of Grafton and past the Brussels Ferry, pass by Pere Marquette Lodge for approximately 5 miles, (MRA) Headquarters will be on the right side of the road.
---OR---
Take I-270 to 367 North and cross the Missouri River, then the Mississippi River on the Clark Bridge. Turn left at the light, and go past the Alton Belle Casino (on your left). Turn left onto Route 100, as above.
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