state park forest state park commonly referred illinois state park illinois located near communities polo oregon acre park contains southernmost remaining stand native white pine trees state illinois area acres designated illinois nature preserve area state park veto governor prevented occurring supporters continued press known receive state park designation period park established help supporters chicago media park contains freshwater streams rock formations variety activities generally associated illinois state parks park streams constructed instead bridges allowing visitors drive creek history early history forest state park located leader territory encompasses area known state park nearly early state established state park fort members oregon started process lobbying illinois legislature set aside state park illinois legislature appropriated purchase southernmost stand virgin native white pine trees state stalled illinois governor vetoed measure citing costs state park established woods bill introduced times success designation reportedly frustrated supporters designation state park influential included area oregon list places illinois designated state parks located country old indian trail white woods covering acres canyon rock carved time tallest trees stood feet height area noted poet member eagle nest art colony located present day expressed need preservation poems established state law law amended gave director jurisdiction state parks position result reforms governor law mandated system state parks later renamed mandate state park proponents enlisted support year governor moved purchase lodge great depression swing sought relieve work needs unemployed americans national_park_service sought work state governments effort meet ends projects involved construction projects project originally meant construction lodge building men world war veterans worked state park construction project lodge completed decided build restaurant lodge building logs project shipped railroad far away oregon washington state illinois dragged construction site teams horses project completed sixteen room log bedroom work crews built picnic shelters trail shelters foot bridges logs came source purchased salvage company purchased utility poles defunct utility company price cents piece nature preserve designation september illinois nature preserves commission dedicated acre section state park illinois nature preserve nature preserve designation gave stand white pine trees park highest form legal protection state designation activities impact area natural features hiking activities logging farming hunting fishing prohibited cases exceptions hunting fishing description white state park acre state park located heart park represents southernmost remaining stand virgin white pine forest state state park like illinois state parks operated maintained state park provides habitat variety plant animal life freshwater streams boundaries park distinctive known features river crossings places crossing constructed instead bridges offer visitors chance actually drive creek high water frequently closes crossings relegated pedestrian bridges stepping stones creek cross stream floods frequent large watershed north park emergency exit high water closes cut emergency exit way wildlife banks lined large rock cliff formations provide habitat plants ranging large trees moss hanging cliffs harbor plants rare state illinois canada family illinois state threatened species season park species bloom flowers found park include trout lily solomon seal blue eyed grass spring beauty forest provides small habitat mammals seen park red deer birds include pine wild turkey winter migratory birds creeks populated bass rock bass channel stocked rainbow trout activities park illinois oldest state visited parks hosting visitors year visited people given weekends 1930s record setting attendance mark documented park public area variety activities typically associated protected areas meant visited public warmer months camping lodging hiking fishing available winter cross country skiing trails open activities camping remain available lodge listed operated privately owned entity lodge features popular private restaurant accessible vehicle closed high water soft ground seven hiking trails wind total miles park seven trails mile length cross country ski trails total miles length open winter weather permits park lodge consist room room shower modern amenities lodge renovated maintains historic integrity new features blended old lounge lodge filled crafts artwork
White Pines Forest State Park