| Located on the banks of the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois, Beall Woods attracts visitors from around the world wanting a glimpse of one of the few remaining tracts of virgin timber east of the Mississippi River where one can see trees 120 feet tall & over three feet in diameter.
Besides hiking, Beall Woods also offers camping, picnicking, & fishing to the visitor who wants to spend time in a quiet, relaxing setting.
Path through dense forestHistory
Beall Woods (pronounced Bell) had been under ownership of the Beall family since the mid-1800's. While a working farm, almost half of the 635 acres consisted of forest that had never been cleared.
When Laura Beall, the last living heir, died without a will, this land went up for auction & was sold to a man who intended to cut the timber. Many individuals & organizations came together in an effort to prevent this from happening. A trial ensued & the land was purchased by the state of Illinois in 1965 by invoking the law of eminent domain against the unwilling seller. In 1966, 329 acres of old-growth forest in Beall Woods State Park was dedicated as the 14th Illinois nature preserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. With this action, a piece of Illinois’ natural heritage was preserved so that future generations have the opportunity to see an example of the magnificent forest that once grew along the Wabash River. |
Beall Woods - State Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
38.380100, -87.814600
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Campground: Beall Woods - State Park in Mount Carmel Illinois *