STORY BY GARY THOMAS
PHOTOS BY ADELE HODDE

A few years ago, a western state had a tourism promotion that basically said: "Come visit us, have a good time, then go home."

That's kind of the way you should think about Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. It has a little bit of everything an outdoor recreationalist could hope for. Everything, that is, except a campground. You go to the park, spend the day having a good time, but then you have to leave.

But that's not a problem if you're one of the more than 7 million Illinoisans living in the northeastern corner of the state. You won't have far to go. Silver Springs is located just 40 miles from the heart of Chicago and its large metropolitan area.

Silver Springs is as pretty as its name. The park has a natural beauty about it. The most striking feature to catch my attention was the beauty of the Fox River as it flowed quietly through a large picnic area dominated by grand oak trees. But the park is a lot more than that. It also features several man-made lakes, including the scenic Loon Lake, which is stocked with trout twice each year.

Silver Springs is a place worth exploring. If you want an idea of what Illinois must have looked like when European settlers first arrived, check out the 40-plus acres of restored prairie. A mile-long path winds through the site, giving visitors the opportunity to see more than 40 varieties of wildflowers, plus dozens of species of birds and other animals. Smaller prairie restorations are found throughout the park.

Located a few miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs is relatively new, with the original purchase of 1,250 acres taking place in the late 1960s. An additional 100 acres were added to the park in the 1980s.

One interesting thing you can do at Silver Springs is shoot trap. The park has an area set aside for shooting clay pigeons. All you have to do is bring your own equipment, including a

Hike the Fox Ridge Nature Trail on a sunny day to see if the clear, bubbling spring water casts its reputed silver color.

The Fox View Picnic Area is on the bank of the Fox River, providing a picturesque setting for a group outing.

throwing device. Located near the park office, the range has proven to be quite popular. The range is for shotshells only, so slugs are not allowed.

You also can take advantage of the site's archery range. Again, you have to provide your own archery equipment, but there are seven or eight targets in place, and archers can test their skill while shooting from a tower to simulate shooting out of a deer stand. There also is a dog training area, but a permit is required.

More than 1,300 acres are opened to sportsmen during the fall and winter hunting seasons. Dove hunters need a lottery-awarded permit to hunt during the first five days of the season. After that, sportsmen need only sign in.

There also is a pheasant hunting program offered at the park.

"Our controlled pheasant hunting program has become very popular during the hunting season," said Site Superintendent Dave Oram. "Hunters make good use of the facility, and we're usually at capacity, which is 50 hunters in the morning and up to 15 additional hunters in the afternoon."

Archery deer hunting is permitted at the site, with shooters required to sign in to hunt. It's a first-come, first-served program, with only a limited number of hunters allowed in the field each day.

Squirrel hunting is permitted in September.

If shooting isn't your thing, you can turn your attention to fishing. Choose from one of the two small lakes or the Fox River to wet your line.

Loon Lake is stocked both spring and fall with rainbow trout. A one-half acre pond east of Loon Lake gets an annual stocking for the kids fishing event at the park's National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration (see sidebar). Loon Lake and nearby Beaver Lake are stocked with channel catfish, bass, bluegill and crappie. A boat launch is available for Loon Lake, but only electric motors are permitted. The concessionaire rents fishing boats, but you have to bring your own motor or plan on rowing.

Trapshooting is a popular activity during National Hunting and Fishing Days.

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Sliver Springs' woodlands, prairies and aquatic habitats support a diversity of wildlife.

More than 40 species of prairie plants have taken root on the park's restored prairies.

There also is good fishing in the Fox River for both boaters and bank anglers. Anglers can catch bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, carp, muskie and northern pike. There is a boat launch for the river, and there is no motor restriction. However, boaters should use caution. This portion of the Fox River is very shallow.

If you're looking for a peaceful, funfilled afternoon, bring along your canoe and enjoy the river's beauty on a paddle trip. If you're looking for more of a workout, you can rent a paddleboat from the park's concession on Loon Lake.

If you just want to picnic at Silver Springs, you'll find tables scattered throughout the park. Charcoal grills are located alongside most tables, and water and toilet facilities are close by. The concession carries sandwiches and snacks or you can pick up picnic items you might have forgotten.

"We also have three picnic shelters that are available for larger groups," Oram said. "The shelters are not heavily used, but if you're planning a family reunion or a larger group outing, it's best to reserve one ahead of time. You can do so for a nominal fee by getting in touch with the park office."

There's even a ball diamond, if you're ready for some softball.

Trails abound at Silver Springs. There is a four-mile trail that winds along the river through the wooded areas. The trail passes by a pool of bubbling water that doesn't freeze, even on the coldest of days. It's the spring that gives the park its name. There also is a scenic seven-mile equestrian trail that winds through the hunting areas, so it is closed during the hunting seasons.

Much of the park's trail system can be used by cross-country skiers during the winter months when snow cover is adequate, while snowmobilers can enjoy a four-mile long trail. A tobogan

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National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area will host the Northern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28-29. Sponsored by the not-for-profit Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days Committee and the Department of Natural Resources, activities during the two days will range from fishing and dog training to canoe paddling and special programs for women and children. "This is a really fun event and a chance to introduce both kids and adults to all types of outdoor recreation," said Silver Springs Site Superintendent Dave Oram. "Best of all, almost everything is free. The event is really growing, too. We'll get anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 people through the park this year, if we have good weather." The event features a lot of hands-on activities, including shooting bows, shotguns and BB guns, plus fly tying, fly carowing, black powder shooting demonstrations and a white-tailed deer antler contest. This year's event will feature the Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon see-through fish tank that allows visitors sting and a kids' casting competition. Additional activities include a historical reenactors' encampment, tomahawk thto see how fish react to various lures and techniques demonstrated by angling experts. Admission and activities are free. Exhibits, food, rod and reel giveaways, a bass boat raffle and opportunities to purchase outdoor merchandise are available. Corporate sponsors for this year's event include Tuffy Boats, Pop-Up Blinds and S.W. Marine. More information is available by calling the park at (630) 553-6297 or the NHF Days committee at (877) 611-7566. The organization's web site is: www.huntingandfishingdays.org.

Young and old alike learn the art of fly tying during National Hunting and Fishing Days. (Right) A Family puts its fishing knowledge to use at one of the Parks's many lakes.

hill is popular with kids and adults alike during snowy times, and skating is available on the lakes when the ice is thick enough.

Maps and regulations for the site's trails are available at the park office.

I know I said there is no camping at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, but I should have qualified that statement. There is no camping facility for the general public, but the park does have a primitive youth group camping area overlooking the Fox River that must be reserved in advance. No vehicles are permitted in the camping areas, so a short hike is required.

"Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area used to be relatively unused," Oram said. "But as the Chicago metropolitan area moves steadily westward, more and more people are coming to realize they have a great opportunity for outdoor recreation just a short drive away. We still take pride in the fact that we have a relatively quiet park with all kinds of outdoor opportunities."

So, if you're looking for a getaway in an unspoiled outdoor paradise, and you like every aspect of the outdoors except sleeping there. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area might be the place to go.

Information you can use Address: Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, IL 60560. Telephone: (630) 553-6297. Directions: Go west off Illinois 47 at Yorkville on Fox Road, or go south off Illinois Route 34 at Plano on Fox River Road. Website: http:// dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/SILVERSP.HTM. Note: No alcohol is permitted at Silver Springs. Nearby attractions: The Kendall County Outdoor Education Center is located in the park. The county leases the area from DNR and brings children from local schools to the park for environmental education. The park adjoins the historic Farnsworth House, a glass house designed by famous architect Mies Van Der Rohe.

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