Sand Creek Conservation Area in Decatur, IL
Sand Creek is primarily known for its hiking and horse trail that winds through forest, open prairie, and floodplain. In addition to wildlife and natural habitat, part of the historic Paris-Springfield Road passes through the grounds.
Location
Sand Creek Conservation Area is a 794-acre open space site, located just south of Decatur, off South Franklin Street.
Directions
Sand Creek’s GPS Coordinates are 39.786696 N, 88.954273 W.
Trail Map
Sand Creek Conservation Area Map
(click for an enlarged view)
Activities
Over 7.5 miles of hiking and horseback trails
Lincoln traveled Paris–Springfield Road at Sand Creek
Horse trailer parking pads with picnic, grills, and hitching racks
Sand Creek Conservation Area in Decatur, IL
Sand Creek is primarily known for its hiking and horse trail that winds through forest, open prairie, and floodplain. In addition to wildlife and natural habitat, part of the historic Paris-Springfield Road passes through the grounds.
The Paris-Springfield Road
The historic Paris-Springfield Road, established in 1824, ran through part of what is now Sand Creek Conservation Area. Among the many people moving west in the early nineteenth century, Abraham Lincoln and his family traveled this section of the road when coming to Decatur from Indiana in March of 1830. Westward travelers going to California and Oregon continued to use the road in the 1840s and 1850s. Trail signs stand along the old roadbed for those who wish to walk in “Mr. Lincoln’s footsteps.”
Horseback Riding Trails
The 7.6-mile horse trail winds its way through the varied habitats of the site, with six fords crossing parts of Sand Creek. The equestrian trail is 10 feet wide and 10 feet high. Eighteen limestone parking pads, measuring 10 feet by 40 feet, are located at the park entrance. Each pad includes a picnic table, grill, and a hitching rack.
