Lake Lou Yaeger Shoal Creek Conservation Area

Lake Lou Yaeger Shoal Creek Conservation Area

Lake Lou Yaeger Shoal Creek Conservation Area

Shoal Creek Conservation Area

There’s no better place to experience nature in Litchfield than the Shoal Creek Conservation Area. Established in 1990, Shoal Creek Conservation Area consists of 266-acres of high-diversity Southern Illinois till-plain Oak and Hickory woodland. It is one of the best remaining examples of these native environments in Illinois and a must see for environmental enthusiasts. Based on studies, there are 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species and more than 70 separate bird species in the Conservation Area. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars. You may have a chance at seeing a majestic Bald Eagle.

Shoal Creek Conservation Area is accessible 365 days a year. Hikes range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Visitors are invited to make use of the trails from sun up to sun down. Shoal Creek Conservation Area provides a great trail experience with opportunities for birders, botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. There is no admission or parking fee associated with visiting.

Hiking Trails

Shoal Creek Conservation Area trail next to Lake Lou Yaeger

Beginning at the parking lot, the nature trail consists of two well marked loops (Loop A and Loop B) with a combined distance of about 1 mile. Both trails are mowed and wind through mostly level uplands. Loop A explores inland prairie and woodlands with flat terrain and slight gradients. Loop B is more difficult and traverses steeper ravines and offers views of Lake Lou Yaeger. The entire loop is of easy to moderate depending on your skill level.

When preparing to walk Shoal Creek Conservation Area make sure to wear appropriate outdoor clothing, bring water and a snack. Bathrooms are not available at the Conservation Area. However, visitors may use the facilities at any of the Picnic Areas or either Marina. Man’s best friend is allowed, but all dogs must remain on a leash, per city ordinance. Make sure to clean up after your pet. Horses are not allowed in this area, but equestrians can check out Lake Lou Yaeger’s equestrian resources.

Don’t forget to pack your camera and binoculars! Trail maps for Shoal Creek Conservation Area are available at the trail head.

If you are looking for some longer hikes and some mountain bike trails, check out the Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail.

Plants and Wildlife

Monarch butterflies on purple flowers.

Shoal Creek Conservation Area is one of the best examples of native Central Illinois flora and fauna. It is home to deer, bats, 70 kinds of butterflies, and at least 74 species of birds. Always be prepared with binoculars and a camera to snap a few pictures of the areas more elusive critters.

The surrounding woods include 10 different types of Oak Trees, and the rich ground flora is highly varied depending on the season.

The free trail guide, offered at the beginning of the trail, identifies the location of tree species. They are marked by common and scientific names.

Injured and Orphaned Animals

Fawn in the woods.

On Lake Lou Yaeger’s grounds you will have the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife. If you come across an injured or orphaned animal please contact the TreeHouse Wildlife Center. TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife. They promote environmental awareness through education. This organization serves the Litchfield area.

Below are instructions to follow in case you find an injured animal, taken directly from the TreeHouse Wildlife website:

  • -First, assess the situation: Just because an animal is alone does not mean that it needs help. Young wildlife are often left on their own for several hours a day while their mothers forage for food. In other instances it may be obvious that a young animal has been injured, or that a young animal has been orphaned when a dead mother is found nearby.
  • -Second, do not attempt to feed or water the animal.
  • -The best thing to do is to call TreeHouse at 618-466-2990 and discuss the situation with staff who are trained how to respond to various situations. If TreeHouse feels that it is necessary to intervene, you will be instructed as to what to do with the animal, how to handle it if it needs to be removed from a potentially dangerous situation, and how to arrange for the animal’s transport to the center for treatment.
  • -If have not heard back in a timely manner, please contact the 24 hour Bi-State Wildlife Hotline at 1-800-482-7950.
  • -The TreeHouse DOES NOT take raccoons, rabbits, skunks, bats, adult deer, or orphaned songbirds.For these animals contact the Bi-State Wildlife Hotline at 1-800-482-7950.

Get Involved

Bench along a trail at Shoal Creek Conservation Area.

Shoal Creek Conservation Area is owned by the City of Litchfield, and by the Shoal Creek Volunteers. If you would like to make Shoal Creek Conservation Area your passion, there are many volunteer opportunities available. You can volunteer your time to maintain trails and vegetation, guide tours, write grants, or be a web designer. For more information contact Henry Eilers at 217-324-3410.

If you are unable to volunteer, but would still like to make a tax deductible donation to the conservation effort, direct donations for Shoal Creek Conservation Area may be sent to:

Shoal Creek Volunteers, Inc.
c/o Henry Eilers
1302 East Union Ave.
Litchfield, IL  62056

Getting to Shoal Creek Conservation Area

Henry Eilers Shoal Creek Nature Preserve sign.

Shoal Creek Conservation Area is located on the southeast side of Lake Lou Yaeger. Since there is not a direct address to the Shoal Creek Conservation Area, visitors can follow the directions below:

(The written directions below are from Interstate 55. If you are traveling from the East on Route 16, omit step 1 and follow the direction in the parenthesis in step 2.)

  1. From I-55, take Exit 52 and head east on Route 16/Union Avenue. for 2.7 mi.
  2. Turn left onto Yaeger Lake Trail. (A large cemetery will be on the right.) Proceed for 0.7 mi. (If you are coming from Hillsboro/the East you will be making a right and the cemetery will be on the left.)
  3. Proceed for 2.5 mi. on Yaeger Lake Trail. You will cross the dam.
  4. The parking lot and signage for Shoal Creek Conservation Area will be on the left.

If you need more assistance, please contact Marina 1 during normal operating hours at 217-324-5441. In the off season, you can reach the Lake Superintendent at 217-324-5832.