Catlin County Park

GPS Coordinates: N 41.30175; W 88.91926

Site Access: Free Parking

Amenities: Restrooms; Hiking; Biking; Picnic

Directions: From I 80 at Ottawa, take Exit 90/SR (State Route) 23 and follow SR 23 south through town and across the Illinois River, turning west (right) on SR 71 for 2.9 miles. Go north (left) on E 1251st Rd., following it approximately 1.25 miles to the park on the left side of the road.

Description: Acquired in 1970 by the LaSalle County Conservation District, the 333-acre Catlin Park (open May-October) is a mix of bluffland oak-hickory forest, chinquapin oak savanna, maple-basswood dominated steep ravines, and tallgrass prairie habitats. Of these, the chinquapin oak savanna is probably the most ecologically significant; one which many ecologists are working hard to restore in northeastern Illinois. In addition, white oak, black hickory, honey locust, and slippery elm exist in this dry habitat. The “floor” of this open forest is a modified prairie, dominated by side-oats grama grass.

The park's well-organized trail system hosts 14 distinct trails plus numerous connector trails. These trails course throughout the park's habitats, including its various streams and ponds. Several parking areas, picnic shelters, and outdoor restrooms are strategically located throughout the trail system. The park's horse trails are also recognized as some of the best trails in the central area.

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