Adventure Outdoors Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 158

GALESBURG , IL
Galesburg and Knox County have wonderful experiences for fishermen , hunters , bird watchers , conservationists and the casual outdoor adventurer . Snakeden Hollow State Wildlife refuge is a 2,500-acre parcel that was a surface mining site for coal from 1962 to 1970 and was considered by many to provide a wealth of opportunity for the development of fish and wildlife habitat . Today , Snakeden Hollow is truly a wildlife paradise . There are plenty of camping sites around Snakeden Hollow as well as throughout Knox County .
Spoon River is a 147-mile-long tributary of the Illinois River in west-central Illinois . The river drains largely in agricultural prairie country between Peoria and Galesburg . Spoon River is a wonderful experience for outdoor adventurers . Bring your kayak , canoe , or fishing boat as well as your camera .
In Galesburg , fishermen can find Lake Storey . This six-hundred-acre lake is a wonderful sportsmen ’ s paradise .
The lake is stocked with everything from largemouth and smallmouth bass to catfish , sunfish , crappie and large muskies .
Lake Storey is a wonderful place to bring the family . In addition to the wonderful fishing , there is Lakeside Water Park , a wonderful campground with pads , electricity , bathrooms , showers , traditional campsites and plenty of local flora and fauna .
Knox County is famous for whitetail deer hunting as well . Whitetail Action Outfitters can set up memorable deer hunting adventures . They have over 5000 acres of prime managed land waiting for clients to take a Boone & Crocket or Pope & Young buck .
For downtime , Galesburg is one of America ’ s 30 great small towns for food lovers , according to Top Value Reviews . From Iron Spike Brew Pub to Seminary Street Shopping District , downtown Galesburg is filled with shopping & dining options .
For more information about Snakeden Hollow , Lake Storey , Spoon River and area campgrounds contact the Galesburg Welcome Center at 800- 916-3330 or visitgalesburg . com .
156 | Spring 2017 | Adventure Outdoors