Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area - Activities

Activities

When in season, hunting and fishing are two of the park's primary activities; during the fall and winter over 1,300 acres (530 ha) are opened to the public for hunting. Pheasant hunting, through a park operated controlled hunting program, is popular at the park. Dove hunting, squirrel hunting, and bow hunting for deer are also permitted with some restrictions. The park has areas set aside for trap shooting, and archery, participants are required to bring their own equipment and restrictions apply. For anglers, Loon Lake is stocked in the spring and fall with rainbow trout and a small one-half acre pond to the east of the lake is stocked annually for children during the National Hunting and Fishing Days, which is marked yearly by events at Silver Springs. The Fox River is open for fishing from both the bank and boats. There are no motor restrictions and a boat launch is available at the park. The Fox River is shallow near the park and boaters are advised to use caution.

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area has trails for hiking and horseback riding. A short, half mile (800 m) trail leads to Silver Springs near the park's east entrance. A longer, four mile (6.4 km) trail follows the course of the Fox River through the park's wooded areas. The equestrian trail is located in the wildlife management area of the park and stretches seven miles (11 km). A one mile (1.6 km) path travels through the prairie restoration area as well. During the winter, much of the park's trail system is open to cross-country skiing, and a four mile (6 km) trail is open to snowmobiling, weather permitting. When ice thickness permits, the lakes are opened to ice skating and ice fishing. Sledding is another popular activity; Toboggan Hill is located inside the park's east entrance.