Fort Massac State Park - Metropolis, Illinois

Overlooking the mighty Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, Fort Massac State Park has been preserved and maintained since 1908, when it became Illinois’ first state park. The historic site is a replica of the 1802 American fort that was originally located on the site. Kids especially enjoy climbing and exploring the fort. An on-site interpreter can answer questions and further explain the Native American artifacts and military items on display, representing the period when the French occupied the fort.

The historic fort area contains 2 barracks, 3 block hourses, officer quarters, well, stockade along with a fraise fence. The site also has the archaeological outline of the 1757 French Fort. There is also a visitors center/office complex along with an area for the museum.

Actual re-creations of pioneer life of the 1700s during the annual Fort Massac Encampment and several living history weekends each year bring the past to life, letting you experience it yourself.

With all this, and the picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and hunting opportunities available in the rest of the 1,450-acre area, Fort Massac State Park is an alluring, complete and self-contained family vacation spot.

Location: 1308 E. 5th St., Metropolis, Illinois

Phone: 618-524-4712