Sullivan Illinois is a great place to be a birdwatcher. Not only is the area home to dozens of species that are native to the area, our lake has become a draw for migrating birds of all kinds. As the seasons change the lake is a stopover for massive flocks of Pelicans and Sea Gulls. The fields in late winter are white with snow and with giant flocks of Snow Geese.
Hundreds of busy Hummingbirds pass through when flowers are in bloom and the more elusive Heron can be found looking lovely while going about their business in the neighborhood. Plan for some scenic wooded trail hiking, check out the local parks and replanted prairies and don't forget to bring your binoculars!!
Located near Sullivan, Illinois, Camp Camfield consists of three trails with a total of nearly 7 miles. Camp Camfield trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail system and is maintained and operated as a mountain biking/hiking, family oriented trail. Central Illinois Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA) maintains this trail system.
This trail is located at the entrance of the Okaw Bluff Group Camp. The trail, which winds along a bluff overlooking the lake and is beside a 100 acre wetlands, includes two photography stands and a wetland/waterfowl viewing stand. The Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, and Canada Goose are a few of the species you may encounter. Be sure to bring a camera!
The Chief Illini Trail, a registered National Recreation Trail, is a scenic journey along the edge of Lake Shelbyville. This point-to-point trail winds across rolling hills and open prairies offering close-up views of the lake. You may begin the trail at either Lone Point Recreation Area or Eagle Creek State Park.
The Sullivan area is teeming with excellent opportunities for hunting. The forests and open lands around Lake Shelbyville provide plentiful public access for hunting. Approximately 12,000 of the 23,000 land acres at Lake Shelbyville are comprised of Oak/Hickory Forests.
Game species at Lake Shelbyville:
Major areas for public hunting access include:
The Lake Shelbyville Army Corps of Engineers Project Office organizes special hunting events in the fall. Call (217) 774-3951 for more information and exact dates of these events.
Controlled waterfowl hunting is available at Okaw Wetlands each year. A permit is required.
For information for hunting licenses and permits for both Illinois residents and non-residents, see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Rainy day? No Problem
Enjoy indoor swimming and recreation at the City of Sullivan Civic Center, offering activities for all ages year-round.
