DELABAR STATE PARK
Located on the Mississippi River about 1 1/2 miles north of Oquawka near Illinois Route 164, Delabar State Park offers quality outdoor experiences for anglers, hikers, campers and picnickers.
Many of the park?s 89 acres are forested with sturdy oaks, along with some birch and hickory trees. These forested areas serve as natural habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, deer, groundhog and quail. More than 50 species of birds have been identified in the park, making Delabar State Park a natural haven for birders from throughout the state.
The park is named to honor two brothers, Roy and Jack Delabar, who donated the site to the state in 1959 to be developed as a state park. The park officially opened in 1960.
Areas for both tent and trailers are available. Electrical hook-ups, drinking water, a sanitary station and a jet pump for filling trailers are available. Campers must obtain a permit from the park staff before setting up camp. Group camping is available. Groups of 25 or more must have advance permission from the site superintendent.
River fishing is popular at Delabar State Park. Boats with motors of any size are allowed on the river. A launching ramp at the south end of the park and two boat docks make river access easy. While there are no boat rentals at the park, there is a marina nearby.
For anglers who prefer to fish lakes, Delabar State Park is located near Gladstone Lake, in Henderson County Conservation Area. The 27-acre Gladstone Lake has a maximum depth of 25 feet and 1 1/2 miles of shoreline. It has a variety of fish for the angler, a launching ramp, picnicking areas and camping.