Donnelley DePue (Illinois)

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois River Wetlands — 4,000-acre wetland complex in the Illinois River valley — critical waterfowl habitat in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway

Donnelley/DePue Wildlife Area protects 4,000 acres of wetlands, marshes, and bottomland forest in the Illinois River valley — one of the most important waterfowl management areas in the state. The site was named for R.R. Donnelley & Sons (the famous printing company) who donated the land for conservation. The Illinois River valley between Ottawa and Peoria was once called “Duck Capital of the World” — attracting millions of mallards, pintails, and teal every fall.

Visitor Information

About Donnelley DePue

Donnelley DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area in Bureau County protects Illinois River floodplain and backwater lakes. The area is part of the Illinois River valley — once one of the richest freshwater ecosystems in North America. The backwater lakes are critical for migratory waterfowl on the Mississippi Flyway.

Things to Do

Waterfowl hunting (world-class goose and duck hunting in the Illinois River valley), fishing for catfish, bass, and crappie in the backwater lakes, and birdwatching during migrations.

About Donnelley DePue

Donnelley DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area in Bureau County provides hunting and fishing in the Illinois River valley — one of the most significant river ecosystems in the Midwest. The area encompasses floodplain forest, wetlands, and backwater lakes along the Illinois River. The valley supports extensive waterfowl populations during migration.

Things to Do

Waterfowl and upland game hunting (seasonal), fishing in backwater lakes, birdwatching during spring and fall migration, and wildlife observation in the Illinois River floodplain.