Fort Massac State Park in Illinois

Located in a little town called Metropolis is Fort Massac State Park. Rich in history, the Illinois park also offers visitors miles of trails, nature walks, camping and more, all for free.

Best of all, it is within a two-three hour drive of several major cities, including St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. This makes it a great low-budget trip for families living or vacationing in the midwest U.S.

A Slice of American History

The centerpiece of the park is a historic replica of the original 1802 American fort, complete with 2 barracks, 3 block houses, officer quarters, well, and stockade surrounded by a fraise fence. This sits on the site of another fort, built in 1756 by the French.

The original French fort was built during the French and Indian War, when France and Great Britain were fighting for ultimate control of central North America. Rebuilt in 1759-60, the structure was renamed Massiac in honor of the then French Minister of Colonial Affairs, but at the end of the war, the French abandoned it and it was burned to the ground by the Chickasaw Indians.

Captain Thomas Stirling, commander of England's 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, arrived to take possession and changed the name to Fort Massac. Unfortunately, the fort was never fully rebuilt, leaving it an easy capture by the Americans during the Revolutionary War.

In 1794, President George Washington ordered the fort rebuilt, and for the next 20 years it protected U.S. military and commercial interests in the Ohio Valley. During this time, the famous Lewis and Clark expedition made a stop at the fort, to recruit men to join their trek west. The fort also played pivotal roles in the War of 1812 and the Civil War before being dedicated as Illinois’ first state park in November 1908.

Today, visitors are welcome to roam the grounds and the insides of each building to get a feel for what living in the fort was like.

More History Showcased at the Museum

Next to the fort is a small museum that history buffs will love. The main room showcases Native American artifacts and military items, representing the period when the French occupied the fort. Of special interest is a glass case filled with arrowheads and other rare artifacts found on the grounds.

Another room features the history of the fort settlers, including a miniature-scaled replica of the original fort and several life-sized dioramas visitors can walk through. There is also a short video to watch on the history of the fort and the surrounding area.

Be sure to stop at the visitors info area in the building where you can pick up free maps and also get answers to any questions you may have about the fort or the park.

Special Events at Fort Massac

For those looking to delve a little deeper into the history, the unique Fort Massac Encampment is held for two days in late October. This re-creation of settler life of the late 1700s attracts more than 80,000 people, who come to watch mock military battles and tactical demonstrations staged by re-enactors.

Great for Nature Lovers

In addition to the historical relevance of the park, it is also rich with ways to get in touch with nature.

The 1,450-acre park contains a one mile loop trail through grassy woods starting and stopping near the fort. This trail is also designated as a Forest Watch Tree Identification Trail. Brochures are available in the visitors' center for the Tree Identification Trail. The 2.5-mile Hickory Nut Ridge Trail is one not to miss, as it takes hikers along the scenic Ohio River.

Boating and fishing are also permitted, with easy access to the Ohio River.

Where to Stay

Those looking to get the full experience are welcome to camp in the park. The grounds contain 50 Class A vehicular campsites with electricity, a disposal station and a shower building, along with more spaces for tent camping, and a separate group campground. Rates start at $15 and pets are allowed, though must be kept on a leash when outside.

Metropolis, which has grown to surround the park, features everything from bed & breakfasts to chain motels like Super 8 and Comfort Inn. The nearby Harrah’s Metropolis Casino and Hotel also offers rates as low as $60 on occasion. Across the river to the south, and a short ten minute drive away, is Paducah, Kentucky, where you’ll find more budget accommodations.

How to Get Here

Fort Massac State Park is located just off Interstate 24 in Metropolis, Illinois.

From Nashville, Tennessee, take I-24 north for about two hours to Metropolis. From St. Louis, Missouri, take I-64 east to I-57 south. Connect to I-24 south and follow that to Metropolis. Total drive from St. Louis should be about three hours.

Once at Metropolis, take the Highway 45 exit west and you’ll see the entrance to the park on your left within a minute or two.

Fort Massac land entrance

Inside Fort Massac

Drouillard Creek which runs through the park

Inside one of the barracks.

The fort replica inside the museum area.

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds