Exploring History and Nature: Fort Massac State Park

WMOK –  Metropolis, IL – Historic Fort Massac State Park, perched overlooking the Ohio River, this nearly 1,500-acre park invites exploration.

Fort Massac State Park holds the distinction of being the first state park in Illinois. It was officially dedicated on November 5, 1908.

Hikers can traverse the 1-mile Drouillard Creek Trail, a forest watch tree identification path, or embark on the 2.5-mile Hickory Nut Ridge Trail, offering scenic river views. The paved George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail, an 8.7-mile pedestrian/bicycle path, connects Metropolis and Brookport, winding through the park and providing expansive views of the river and fort. Beyond hiking, visitors enjoy camping, fishing, and boating, immersing themselves in the captivating natural beauty and rich history of southern Illinois.

FROM DNR.GOV – The park contains a 1-mile loop trail through grassy woods with the trailhead near the fort. This trail is designated as a Forest Watch Tree Identification Trail and brochures are available in the visitors’ center.

The 2.5-mile Hickory Nut Ridge Trail shouldn’t be missed, as it takes hikers along the scenic Ohio River.

The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail is an 8.7-mile bicycle/pedestrian trail connecting the cities of Metropolis and Brookport through Massac County and Fort Massac State Park. Approximately 4.0 miles of the trail is within the confines of Fort Massac State Park with most of the trail on a dedicated bike path and a small section using a shared roadway.