Donnelley Wildlife Area

About Donnelley Wildlife Area

The Donnelley / DePue complex is part of a $1 million duck stamp project funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The project will improve access to a significant protected area through improved services to meet the high hunting needs in northern Illinois. It is mainly used for migratory birds and is called Great Bend, but it is also home to many other animal species.

The state wildlife area established here includes wetlands that have always been critical to migratory waterfowl. A large part of the 3015 hectare complex is therefore used for the resting and observation of waterfowl, hunting and fishing.

The Windblown Bottoms Duck Club, which includes Coleman Lake, is under state administration.

Donnelley Wildlife Area is open to the public during waterfowl season and is located on the west side of the State Park at the intersection of Coleman and Depepe Road. Most years it is managed mainly for the needs of wildlife and therefore closed to public use. Schools and study groups can participate by appointment, and the Donnelsley Wildlife Area is closed to the public.

The DePue Rod and Gun Club was founded in the early 20th century and it was not long before the hunting ground's reputation attracted members from all over Illinois. When the state acquired the land in 1970, a clubhouse and shooting range were built, and over the years several plots were added and the reservoir and wetlands expanded to 2,350 hectares, which are available for waterfowl and water recreation. The lake has commercial hunting and fishing, which testify to the rich wildlife of the area.

Hiking, photography and nature exploration attract visitors to the reserve, and DePue Spring Lakes are accessible from the Illinois River depending on river level. The village of De pue offers access to Lake Depue, but the village itself is only accessible by boat or boat.

Hiking and horse riding trails are available in the park, while George S. Memorial Park is limited to nature studies. Putnam County Conservation District administers two of its states: DePue Spring Lakes State Park and Donnelley / De Pue State Park.

Head south on Route 71 past the parking lot of DePue Spring Lakes State Park and head south to the Route 71 exit and park at the entrance to Donnelley / De Pue.

North of the park, drive 1 mile on Putnam County Highway and then south on Route 29 and park at the entrance to Donnelley / De Pue State Park. Take the Spring Valley exit of Route 89 to the parking lot of DePue Spring Lakes State Park, park there and then head north on the freeway for one mile.

Turn left at the DePue sign and turn west for 5 km, then turn south on De Pue Road and follow it to the end of the road where the office is located. Turn left into the parking lot of Depue Spring Lakes State Park and park for one mile.