Weinberg King State Park
Illinois State Park

Weinberg King State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Bird Watching
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Weinberg King State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
30–74 °F62–86 °F32–79 °F16–39 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Golden, 11 mi away, elevation 718 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated March 2026

Weinberg King State Park is a public state park in Illinois near Augusta. Spanning 772 acres and established in 1968, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

StateIllinois
Nearest CityAugusta
Park Size772 acres
Established1968
Google Rating⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews)

Location & Getting There

Weinberg King State Park is located near Augusta, Illinois. The park’s coordinates are 40.2355, -90.8969.

Things to Do

Illinois state parks offer surprising geological diversity — from sandstone canyons and waterfalls in the south to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and Great Lakes shoreline in the north. Popular activities include hiking through dramatic canyon formations at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, fishing for bass and catfish in the state’s rivers and lakes, camping in forested settings along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, biking paved and gravel trails, birdwatching along major migratory flyways (Illinois sits on the Mississippi Flyway), cross-country skiing in winter, horseback riding on dedicated equestrian trails, and exploring historic sites from frontier forts to Lincoln-era landmarks.

Best Time to Visit

Illinois parks shine across all four seasons. Spring (April–May) brings peak waterfall flow at Starved Rock and Matthiessen after snowmelt, plus wildflower carpets in the canyon floors. Summer (June–August) is ideal for swimming, Lake Michigan beaches, and river recreation — but canyon parks get crowded on weekends. Fall (September–November) delivers stunning foliage, especially in the southern Shawnee National Forest region, peaking mid-October. Winter transforms canyon parks into ice wonderlands — frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock are a major winter attraction. All Illinois state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.

Visitor Tips

All Illinois state parks offer free admission — there are no entrance fees or vehicle passes required. This makes Illinois one of the most visitor-friendly state park systems in the country. Camping fees are modest ($8–$35/night depending on amenities). Reservations are made through the Illinois DNR reservation system. Popular parks like Starved Rock fill parking lots before 9 AM on fall and spring weekends — arrive early. Many parks offer excellent lodge accommodations (Starved Rock Lodge, Pere Marquette Lodge, Giant City Lodge) for those who prefer indoor comfort with park access.

Explore More Illinois State Parks

Weinberg King State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Illinois. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Illinois guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Weinberg-King State Park — 772 acres along the LaMoine River — preserves a significant tract of bottomland forest in western Illinois’ Schuyler County. The LaMoine River — a quiet, undammed stream — winds through a valley of hardwood forest that supports diverse wildlife. The forest canopy of silver maple, hackberry, and bur oak provides habitat for breeding barred owls, red-shouldered hawks, and pileated woodpeckers. The river supports populations of native freshwater mussels — bivalves that filter water, improve water quality, and are among the most endangered organisms in North America (70% of species at risk). River otters — reintroduced to Illinois in the 1990s — have colonized the LaMoine system. Beaver are active throughout the area.

Nearby Attractions

Rushville — the Schuyler County seat — has the Scripps Park and historic courthouse. New Salem State Historic Site — where Lincoln lived from 1831-1837 — is 30 minutes east. Beardstown offers Illinois River fishing. Chandlerville provides rural character. Jim Edgar Panther Creek is one of Illinois’ largest wildlife areas. Siloam Springs State Park has camping and a CCC-built lake. Macomb has Western Illinois University.

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Argyle Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area is within about an hour’s drive.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Weinberg King State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended

Are dogs allowed at Weinberg King State Park?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Park Location

Plan your gear for Weinberg King State Park

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: