United States of America
Fort Daniel Conservation Area is a 611-acre (2.47 km2) park located four miles (6.5 km) east of Mount Zion, Illinois. The land preserve protects the site of the ghost town, Whistleville. Today, the site centers on hiking and picnicking in the Big Creek watershed southeast of Decatur. Seven marked tr
ails comprise 5.1 miles (7.0 km) of hiking opportunities that cross and recross Big Creek. At the north end of the conservation area, a recreational complex includes a picnic shelter, playground, and fire ring. Tree watchers are encouraged to find and identify the sugar maples, chinquapin oaks, pawpaws, wafer ashes, and Kentucky coffeetrees that grow in the area. The park is maintained by the Macon County Conservation District (MCCD). In 2019, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to the MCCD to enable a 173-acre land acquisition adjacent to the existing conservation area. In 2022, the foundation awarded an additional $2.9 million grant to enable a 235-acre land acquisition. The nearest major highway is Illinois Route 121, located southeast of Decatur.
Listen to the audio guide for Fort Daniel Conservation Area Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off