Randolph County State Recreation Area, Illinois

With 1,101 acres of land marked by rolling hills, Randolph County State Recreation Area is a bigtime draw for outdoor recreation. Its lake is regularly stocked (catfish, redear and bluegill sunfish, walleye, saugeye and rainbow trout) and game fish like largemouth bass, green sunfish, bullhead and crappie can also be found. Hikers regularly report woodpeckers, hawks, turkeys, deer, songbirds and squirrels. To cover the area more quickly, equestrians use the nearly 12 miles of horse trails.The other thing this park is known for are outstanding picnic areas. Settled amongst hickory, oak, sweetgum and tulip trees, there are six shelters where you can chow down in the shade.