Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area – Banner, IL - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Banner Marsh has over 200 water bodies on the 4,363 acres of freshwater marsh. There is also plenty of dry land that rises above the wetlands. It provides various outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, dog training, picnicking, wildlife observation and photography.

Each of the three access roads has restrooms, sheltered picnic tables, and boat ramps. There is no drinking water available at any of the accesses. Remember to bring your own.
Camping is available at nearby Rice Lake Wildlife area.

Boat motors are restricted to less than 25 hp. Jet skis, water skiing, and swimming are prohibited. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are welcome.

Bird watching is very popular here. On a recent visit 35 wild Mute Swans were seen, some are breeding pairs. American White Pelicans are often spotted in the spring as they migrate north. A small flock was seen on the same visit.

There are a few short trails to access some of the small lakes, but there is plenty of undeveloped area that you can roam. In this Wildlife area, you do not have to stay on the trails. Several miles of roadway open and close depending upon ground conditions.

Hunting is very popular but special rules apply here. Contact the Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area at (309) 647-9184. Dog training also requires a special permit. It is free and can be obtained at the Rice Lake Office.

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 4363 acres Is there a trail system?: No If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Short trails, but roam as you wish for miles. What points of interest are there?: See above What activities are available?: See Above List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Probably poison Ivy in some areas, but none spoted. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: See special requirments for hunting and dog training discribed above. Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   03/12/2013 ShortCacher visited it 03/01/2009 teamMCLM visited it

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