Emi - the largest inland wetlands in America
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8/13/2010
Emi, officially known as Chautauqua, a US FISh & Wildlife Service Preserve, and Emequon, The Nature Conservancy Illinois project, is in the Lower Mississippi Flyway in an area adjunt to the Mississippi River. Called the "Tourist
Capital of Illinois" in 1900, the wetlands were destroyed and drained for farm use. After the last great flood these same areas in Havana and Lewistown were reclaimed and returned to the use nature intended. Today birders, boaters, fishermen, nature lovers and hunters alike share the bounty of the Illinois River in over 12,000 acres of wetlands in Mason and Fulton Counties. Heron, tern, ducks, snow geese, swans, pelicans, tree swallow and eagles are only a few of the speciaes that have returned every year to their original habitats at Emi.
The area is located about 50 miles SW of Peoria on IL 97 in Fulton County, and just off Maonto Blacktop in Mason County. Annual events in the area include Spoon River Drive and Oktoberfest in the fall and Eagle Watch Day in the late winter. Things to do or see include Native American museuam at Dickson Mounds in Lewistorn, the Jake Wolfe Fish Hatchery and winery at Manito. Havana's river front offers a boat ramp, nearby marina, RV and primitive camping, play area and sheltered picnic areas. Both towns offer shopping, historical sites, gas, restaurants and motels. Havana also offers a hospital and other medical services. Sprint, Verizon & ATT cellphones work well in this area, too. Chatauqua and Emiquon are seven short miles apart. Larger cities nearby include Pekin and Canton.
The above areas are listed in the official Illinois River Road Byways website and brochure.
Pj | Peoria, IL