William W. Powers State Recreation Area

10/10/2025

Deer Archery and Waterfowl Hunting Season are upon us 🦆🌿🦌

For your safety, the Northernmost gate within the park, granting access to the railroad alongside state-line road, will be closed from October 18th through mid-January. Recreational boating will be allowed on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the hunting season, as these days are rest periods for our wildlife. The final week for boating accessibility Monday through Friday will be from October 13th-17th. After this, please adhere to the Monday and Tuesday policy.

Recreational bank-fishing will be allowed each day SOUTH of the flag poles. Please not all dikes will be restricted from fishing access for additional safety during waterfowl hunting activities. Please see the attached map for a visual of the flagpole location in the park as well as the general direction of allowed bank-fishing 🎣

Should you have any questions, please give us a call in-office at (773) 646-3270. Thank you and enjoy the season!

10/03/2025

Our conservation trailer, managed through the Illinois Conservation Police, is an incredible display of species found throughout Illinois. This roaming exhibit features pelts and taxidermy for animals of many different families, including: white tailed deer, coyotes, the great horned owl, blue gill, eastern grey squirrels, wild turkey, and many others!

If you've had the chance to encounter this exhibit at our park, what was your favorite part? 🦌🌿🦉

10/03/2025

On September 19th, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources alongside the Illinois Conservation Foundation paired with the Union Sportsmen's Alliance to celebrate over 250 Tradeswomen, many of whom brought family members, in an outdoor celebration of nature and camaraderie! The day was filled with fishing, encounters with wildlife, and general enjoyment of our state park located in Chicago, 🌿

Special thanks to the Union Sportsmen's Alliance for providing photos from the event and this incredible opportunity for collaboration.

10/01/2025

If you frequent our Visitor's Center, you've likely encountered our resident common great egret! This summer-dwelling species of Illinois is a common migrant along marshes, ponds, shorelines of rivers and lakes, flooded fields, and mudflats. Great egrets primarily feed on crayfish, fishes, frogs and insects, hunting via wading at the water's edge.

10/01/2025

🌿🌼 Wildflower Walk with a Naturalist

Fall is still blooming at William W. Powers State Recreation Area!
Join our naturalist for a guided walk to explore the wildflowers of the season. Along the way, you’ll:
✅ Learn how to identify similar plant species
✅ Discover the importance of native flora (and the dangers of invasives)
✅ Understand how wildflowers support our local wildlife

📅 Walk Dates: October 4, 9, 10, & 17
🕑 Time: 2–3 PM CT
📍 Location: William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago

This one-hour walk is family-friendly, educational, and a beautiful way to experience the park. We look forward to walking with you!

To register, please visit our Eventbrite listing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildflower-walk-with-a-naturalist-tickets-1757660553029?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp

03/03/2025

General Announcement: Recreational Boating is Open! 🛶 😁

03/01/2025

General Announcement: Recreational Boating is suspended until further notice. We appreciate your patience as the ice melts and spring draws near ! ❄️🛶

12/13/2024