Mississippi River SFWA
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(618) 376-3303
Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Mississippi River SFWA is a state fish and wildlife area in Jersey County, about 12 miles north of St. Charles.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Things to do
Boating and paddling
Boating
Boating along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers provides many opportunities for relaxing, sunning, enjoying the scenic shoreline and bluffs, watching birds, and viewing the majesty of these great river systems. Small boats and canoe operators might better appreciate the shelter and quiet beauty that can be found in the backwater lakes.
Fishing
Fishing
Anglers are welcome, but certain areas are restricted during waterfowl season. These areas are clearly posted each year.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Accessibility
Accessibility at Mississippi River Area:
•
Parking - The park office has an asphalt parking lot with a designated accessible parking space. There is a sidewalk and a wheelchair ramp to the office door.
•
Service animals are welcome in the park, but there are no outdoor water fountains or hydrants available.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 17836 State Highway 100 N.
Grafton, IL 62037 - Nearest town
- St. Charles — about 12 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 38.9720, -90.4710
- Phone
- (618) 376-3303
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 30, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology