Illini State Park is the type of park you think of when you
think of big picnics and family gatherings. With its rustic
Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and riverside picnic
areas, Illini State Park offers beautiful views and a sense of
history not found in many other parks. Named for the native
Americans who once inhabited the area, Illini State Park is
located south of the Illinois River between Marseilles and U.S.
Route 6. The northern edge of the 510-acre park is bordered by
the Great Falls of the Illinois River. In just 2 miles, the
river drops 3 feet, creating beautiful, roaring rapids. The east
end of the park is the former site of the prestigious Marsatawa
Country reminders of America's Industrial Age can be seen at
Illini State Park. The area is part of an old glacial feature
called the Marseilles Moraine and is underlaid by 100 feet of
coal. A large coal mine 1 mile south of the park supplied coal
to Marseilles industries until World War II. The Illinois
Traction System, an interurban electric