Boating, hiking trails, open fields and woodland areas combine to give a variety of playtime options. Pavilions, fishing piers and superb bank-fishing are available. The park is used by local schools and universities because it offers easy exploration for budding environmentalists.

Eureka Lake is open from sunrise until 11 p.m. Boat propulsion is limited to trolling motors, and all gas motors must be removed from your watercraft. For more information, call (309) 467-5325, or go online to www.lakeeureka.lib.il.us. For travel and lodging information, call the Peoria Chamber of Commerce at (309) 676-0755.

SAM PARR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA
DNR biologist Mike Hooe said as far as a family fishing destination is concerned, you'll be hard-pressed to beat Sam Parr Lake in Jasper County.

"The lake has very good all-around fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegills and channel catfish," Hooe said. "There are several picnic areas and a campground that allows for easy access to the lake. It also has two boat ramps, and a 10-horsepower limit."

Bluegills and catfish are the best draw for kids. Most 'gills average about 7 inches long, while the cats go about 2 pounds. Both can be taken pretty easily with night crawlers. Bass average between 14 and 15 inches, and are fools for crawlers on the bottom, or with spinnerbaits and crankbaits around shoreline cover. In addition to fishing and camping, there are good playground facilities and a few miles of scenic hiking trails.

Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area is located about three miles northeast of Newton. For more information, call (618) 783-2661. Travel and lodging information is available from the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce at (618) 783-3399.

SILOAM SPRINGS STATE PARK
Families traveling to the rugged beauty of west-central Illinois will want to visit this attractive facility on the border of Adams and Brown counties.

This is a magnet for bluegills, redear sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Good shoreline access and boat launching is available. Plus there's a children's pond that's full of bluegills and sunfish. In both waters, worm-and-bobber rigs produce the 'gills, while crankbaits and plastics produce bass. Catfish can be taken easily with cut bait or night crawlers.

Supplementing the productive angling is a varied topography and forested setting, giving Siloam Springs an awesome specter. Wildlife abounds, while picnic areas, camping, hiking, concession and boat rental are available.

For more information, contact Siloam Springs State Park at (217) 894-6205. For travel and lodging information, call the Quincy Chamber of Commerce at (217) 222-7980.

RIVES LAKE
Travel to Greene County and you'll encounter the town of Greenfield, and likewise, their municipal reservoir, Rives Lake.

"Greenfield City Lake is excellent for bluegills, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, crappies and catfish," said DNR biologist Jeffery Pontnack.