Moraine View State Recreation Area, River Bend Travel Guide

4.6 (938)

Explore glacial landscapes and outdoor adventures at Moraine View State Recreation Area in Central Illinois. Camping, hiking, fishing, and more await!

Home
Travel Guides
Illinois
River Bend
Moraine View State Recreation Area

Moraine View State Recreation Area, near Le Roy, Illinois, is a 1,687-acre park featuring the man-made Dawson Lake. Established in 1959, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to swimming and fishing, all set within a landscape shaped by glaciers.

A brief summary to Moraine View State Recreation Area

27374 E 900 North Rd, Le Roy, Illinois, 61752, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Moraine View State Recreation Area.

Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds, especially during peak season (mid-April to late October).
Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for hunting season dates and locations within the park.
Bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months, as mosquitoes and ticks can be prevalent.
Swimming is permitted at the sandy beach in the Black Locust picnic area from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but only on Saturdays and Sundays and on the holiday.
Reservations for campsites and shelters can be made in advance through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reservation system.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lewis and Clark (Camp River Dubois) State Historic Site

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Mississippi River

Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Explore Moraine View State Recreation Area on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Moraine View State Recreation Area, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Moraine View State Recreation Area is located a few minutes east of Bloomington/Normal off I-74. Take Exit 149 at Le Roy, follow the signs into Le Roy, and turn left on US 150 to the Casey General Store. Turn right onto the LeRoy-Lexington Blacktop (County Hwy 21) and head north until you see the sign for Moraine View State Park. Turn right again and follow the road into the park, past the main entrance to the flagpole. Parking is available throughout the park. Parking is free.
Walking

If you are in Le Roy, Illinois, you can walk or bike to Moraine View State Recreation Area by heading north on County Highway 21 (LeRoy-Lexington Blacktop). Follow this road until you see the sign for Moraine View State Park. Turn right and follow the road into the park. The walk from the center of Le Roy is approximately 4 miles.

Discover more about Moraine View State Recreation Area

Moraine View State Recreation Area, established in 1959, is a testament to both natural history and human intervention. Situated in McLean County, near the town of Le Roy, the park spans 1,687 acres of gently rolling hills and woodlands. Its centerpiece is the 158-acre Dawson Lake, an artificial lake created in 1962-1963 by damming the North Fork tributary of Salt Creek.The park's name derives from its location on the Bloomington Moraine, one of the largest glacial moraines in Illinois. This moraine was formed by the Wisconsin glaciation, which occurred approximately 15,000 years ago. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind ridges of rock and earth, creating the distinctive landscape that characterizes the area. The park's terrain features scattered groves of trees, including red and white oak, maple, hickory, black walnut, and elm.Moraine View offers a wide array of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping at the Gander Bay Campground, which provides RV-friendly sites with electrical hookups. Hiking enthusiasts can explore several trails, including the accessible Timber Point Trail and the Tanglewood Self-Guiding Nature Trail. Dawson Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. During the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating.The area also has a rich history beyond its glacial origins. Before European settlement, the Kickapoo and Potawatomi tribes inhabited the area. The park's creation in the mid-20th century aimed to provide a water-based recreation area for the growing population. Despite facing temporary closure due to budget cuts in 2008, the park reopened and continues to be a popular destination for outdoor recreation.