Fort Kaskaskia Historic Site

2022-2023 Season

Map                              

Fort Kaskaskia Historic Site provides residents and visitors to the state an opportunity to appreciate early Illinois history connected with this site. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, manages portions of the site for hunting, hiking, and observing wildlife. ALL HUNTING IS BY MEANS OF BOW AND ARROW ONLY.

Location: 5 miles N of Chester off of Hwy 3

Description: Located on the Mississippi River bluffs, the site has a beautiful view of the Mississippi River, the mouth of the Kaskaskia River, Beaver Island, and nearby Kaskaskia Island. Upland forests found on the steep slopes consist of various species of oaks (white, post, blackjack, shingle, black), hickory species, white ash, basswood, sugar maple, slippery elm, and black walnut. Immediately adjacent are both mowed, grassy areas and some cropland. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.

​ Total acres: 275
​ Open acres: 87
​ Huntable acres: 140
​ Timbered acres: 170


Seasons, Hours, Limits: 

Species
 Season
 Hours
Special Rules/Permits
Deer Nov. 1 - statewide closing
archery season only*		 Statewide  
Turkey Nov. 1 - statewide closing
archery season only*		 Statewide  

*Open during firearm deer season; bow hunters must comply with blaze orange outer garment & cap requirement.

Site Specific Regulations:

  1. All hunting is by bow and arrow only.
  2. All hunters must sign in and check out, reporting their harvest each day following hunting.
  3. No hunting is permitted in posted areas, developed recreation areas, and within 100 yards of construction sites, residences, and developed recreation areas (e.g. picnic and camping areas).
  4. Construction or use of any tree stand using nails, screws, or wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed is unlawful.
  5. Tree stands must be removed at the end of each day.

Other Facilities Available: Camping and picnic areas.

For further information, contact: Site Superintendent, (618) 859-3741
Site Hunting Regulations (Administrative Rules) can be viewed at: www2.illinois.gov/dnr/adrules

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702; (217)785-0067; TTY (217)782-9175.