William G. Stratton State Park sits right along the Illinois River in downtown Morris. It features four concrete launch ramps. So, you won't spend half your afternoon stuck idling in line just to launch. Anglers hit the water early. They pull catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie straight out of the main channel.

Not into high-speed water sports That's fine, though you can still grab a shaded picnic table and watch the towboats push heavy barges past. Kids love the playground. Plus, the park links directly to the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, giving you miles of flat gravel path for biking or walking. Just watch for mud. Actually, it makes a great afternoon trip if you want to hang out right by the river.