7 Snake Infested State Parks In Illinois
Welcome to Illinois, a fascinating state known for its rich history, modern architecture, incredible innovations, and beautiful parks. In these, you will find captivating creatures, striking snakes that range in size, color, pattern, and habitats. While there are four venomous species in the state, including the copperhead and cottonmouth, there are also many non-venomous snakes, no less fascinating for their colors and environmental niches. From Giant City to Castle Rock, these are the top 7 snake-infested state parks in Illinois. If you are ready for the adventure, and make sure you practice caution and care, these are certainly worth visiting.
Giant City
Venture through the Shawnee National Forest to explore Giant City State Park, known for its distinctive impressions formed by massive sandstone structures, spectacular landscapes, and over 75 varieties of trees. The mesmerizing Giant City Indian Creek Nature Trail is particularly diverse, with a wide variety of plant and animal species. Among those is the copperhead snake, a yellowish or rusty-brown creature that typically grows to about 50-95 cm (2 to 3 feet), though specimens have been found up to a staggering 135 cm long. With 10 to 20 hourglass-shaped, marginally cross bands, the snake is easily distinguishable.
These venomous creatures are typically spotted on rocky hillsides, wooded areas, forest edges, and even in meadows and fields during the summer months, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They tend to hibernate in the sandstone bluffs.
Starved Rock
A historical site home to Fort St. Louis, built by French Traders LaSalle and Henri de Tonty in 1682, Starved Rock State Park is of great significance. Today, you can find original artifacts indicating Native American presence here from approximately 12,000 years ago. But besides its historical record, Starved Rock is also one of the most snake-infested state parks in Illinois. One of the most frequently spotted reptiles here is the common water snake, as per the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This large, non-venomous species grows up to 22 to 42 inches long and has markings on its back that range in color from red-brown to black. They are often found in ponds, streams, lakes, and marshes, and are frequently mistaken for the venomous cottonmouths.
Another popular species here is the common garter snake. Growing up to 18 to 26 inches, they are known for their striped visuals. Typically, there are three stripes on the back, often yellow, but sometimes in other colors. You can find common garter snakes in marshes, forests, streams, meadows, and even vacant city lots.
Matthiessen
A geological paradise filled with streams, canyons, prairies, and forests, Matthiessen State Park features fascinating rock formations, abundant vegetation, and captivating wildlife from birds and fish to mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Among these, alongside the species already mentioned, the gray ratsnake, DeKay's brownsnake, and eastern foxsnake have been spotted. With an average of 42 to 72 inches in length, gray ratsnakes are known for their ridged scales on the back and checkerboard patterns on the belly. They live in woodlands, rocky hillsides, old fields, barnyards, thickets, and farmland. They can climb into trees or reside in rock outcrops.
DeKay's brownsnake, on the other hand, is much smaller. They are only 9 to 13 inches long, typically brown (yet may show red or gray) with ridged scales, dark lines that cross the back, and have pink, brown, or yellow bellies. These live in bogs, prairies, moist woods, parks, foodplains, hillsides, empty lots, and cemeteries. Finally, the eastern foxsnake, reaching a length of 36 to 54 inches, can be found in prairies, woods, farmlands, and pastures. They range from yellow to light brown and have dark brown or black blotches on the back, with black checks on the yellow-colored belly.
Pere Marquette
From a wide range of recreational activities, such as camping, fishing, horseback riding, boating, hiking, and hunting, to spectacular views of the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. Set in gorgeous Grafton, this is the largest state park in Illinois, covering nearly 8,000 acres. Animal enthusiasts can also discover several species of snakes here, including the venomous timber rattlesnake and copperhead, and perhaps even the eastern massasauga.
Other, non-venomous species are the prairie kingsnake, black rat snake, northern water snake, and eastern hognose snake, amongst others.
Lowden
A breathtaking site situated along the Rock River, Lowden State Park is renowned for its rich past. Its history dates back to 1898, when the land was originally purchased by Chicago Attorney and Assistant Manager of the University of Chicago, Wallace Heckman. See the 50-foot statue, a tribute to Native Americans, weighing approximately 100 tons. This is believed to be the second-largest concrete monolithic statue in the world. Lowden is also one of the most snake-infested state parks in Illinois. It is located in Ogle County, which is home to various species, including the fox snake, western hog-nosed snake, eastern hog-nosed snake, milk snake, queen snake, and common gartersnake.
Mississippi Palisades
Make your way three miles north of Savanna, a captivating town in Carroll County, to visit Mississippi Palisades State Park. This scenic expanse, spanning 2,500 acres, offers abundant recreational opportunities. From bird-watching to hiking, camping, and rock climbing, the activities are boundless. The venomous timber rattlesnake had a prominent existence in the early years of the park, originally purchased in 1929.
Attempts were made to eliminate the species to help ensure the safety of city hikers. Today, the current superintendent cares about ensuring the species' survival in the park (Illinois Department of Natural Resources). Although rare here, they can be spotted in rocky outcrops, bluff prairies, upland deciduous forest, and talus slopes and bluffs.
Castle Rock
Discover Castle Rock State Park, a spectacular site located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County. The park was named after the sandstone bluff adjacent to the water, and features stunning rock formations, ravines, and unique associations with northern plants. Rattlesnake dens have been spotted here, found under boulders.
Other species you may find in the area, native to Ogle County, are the fox snake, western hog-nosed snake, eastern hog-nosed snake, milk snake, northern water snake, bull snake, queen snake, and common gartersnake, as per the Illinois Natural History Survey INHS Herpetology Collection.
Takeaways and Snakeaways
The Prairie State, renowned for its extensive natural beauty and rich history, is home to captivating creatures you can find in stunning state parks. From four venomous species to dozens of non-venomous varieties, discovered in bluffs, river corridors, rocky outcrops, and other environments, each vastly differs in size, pattern, color, and habitat. Between the striking copperheads of Giant City and the hidden rattlesnake dens of Castle Rock, these are 7 snake-infested parks in Illinois that adventure-seekers can explore with caution.
