Illinois' Former Surface Mine Is Now A Park With 22 Crystal-Clear Ponds And Scuba Diving

The United States is a leader when it comes to national parks, yes, but also when it comes to state parks and recreation areas. And every state has its share of spectacular protected green spaces, even in places not necessarily known for their natural attractions (read: the flyover states). For example, Illinois is often overlooked by people seeking dramatic destinations, but there's plenty of scenery to be found if you know where to look. There's Starved Rock State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Midwest," and Pere Marquette State Park, known for its gorgeous fall foliage along the Mississippi River. And that's just the beginning! Head to the eastern border with Indiana Vermilion County for one you've probably never heard of: Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a true hidden gem in Illinois. 

The 22 clear, clean lakes of Kickapoo State Recreation Area and the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River are a wonderland for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking and canoeing are popular, especially on Clear Lake, where you can rent all the equipment you need. Much of the river is also available for recreation, although note that portions will be closed through the fall of 2026 for a riverbank stabilization project.  

Notably, unlike most other state parks in Illinois, Kickapoo does allow scuba diving. If you've always wanted to dive into a former mine-turned-pond, now is your chance! Register ahead of time, bring the proper gear and credentials, and dive deep into the cold and clear waters of either the Inland Sea or Sportsman's Lake. These depths attract divers of all levels looking for freshwater with good visibility, intriguing rock formations, forests of pond weeds, and sometimes an old mining relic. All with the added magic of being smack dab in the middle of a landlocked state!

Fishing is a favorite pastime, where anglers can bait their hooks for bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Over 1,000 acres of Kickapoo become hunting lands in the autumn for species like white-tailed deer, quail, and rabbit. Note that both fishing and hunting require proper licensing from Illinois.gov. Let's not do any accidental (or purposeful) poaching! For those less inclined to hunting and fishing, there's plenty to do at Kickapoo. Trails of all levels criss-cross the park for hikers, bikers, runners, and just moseyers. For peak autumnal vibes, follow the Clear Lake Trail around the lake to "Spooky Hollow," a hilly forested area with faces carved into select trees. Several campgrounds are open seasonally between May and October if you want the fun to continue all night.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area just west of Danville, Illinois, was once inhabited by the local Kickapoo tribe and now bears its name. (The name "Kickapoo" is said to have roots in the word for "red bud," a plant that grows along the Kickapoo River.) Settlers were drawn to Danville during American westward expansion in part because of the area's salt springs. The Kickapoo tribe was eventually forcibly removed from the state to reservations elsewhere, and salt mining commenced in earnest. Kickapoo became a surface mine for coal in approximately 1850. It was continuously strip-mined until 1939 and is even considered the birthplace of commercial surface-mining practices.

Kickapoo is also the first coal mine to become a public park after its purchase by the state in 1939 — with significant investment from Danville locals. Kickapoo became a symbol of hope despite the fact that, after operations ceased, the mine pits and other debris were a stain on the landscape for many years. However, the land has slowly recovered, and present-day, the leftover ponds (natural and made for mines) are crystal-clear and cover over 220 acres of the park. Wildlife has rebounded, from birds to fish, and now anglers and hunters enjoy their respective seasons at Kickapoo. This recovered land has amazingly become a wildflower fairy tale in the spring, a summer sports haven, a place to appreciate beautiful fall foliage within the Midwest, or a peaceful snowy escape in the winter. Kickapoo lies in between Danville and Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (about 45 minutes west), home to the nearest commercial airport — University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI).