Jubilee College, and the frontier community that supported it, was founded in 1839 by Episcopal bishop Philander Chase.

Until 1852, the tuition was $100 per year, except for sons of Illinois clergy who could attend for half price and orphans who were educated for free.

[9] In 1836, Chase lived about a mile to the east in a home called Robin's Nest, a log cabin "made of mud and sticks and filled with young ones".

[3][9][11] The sawmill and flour mill were constructed on Kickapoo Creek, two miles south of the college, and used both steam and water power.

[11][3][6] In 1926, the Circuit Court of Peoria annulled the charter due to non-performance and ordered the property to be liquidated within two years.

The State of Illinois occasionally offers guided tours of the centerpiece of Jubilee College, the 1840s building that housed the school's Episcopal chapel, classrooms, and dormitory facilities.

Restored in the 1970s, one wing contains the recreated schoolmaster's office and library, which also features a video theater and museum exhibits about the college.

The park was reopened by Blagojevich's successor, Pat Quinn, but closed again on October 9, 2009 due to staffing and budget shortages.

[16] Many animals native to Illinois can be sighted in the park, including: deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, coyote, raccoons, wild turkeys, mink, muskrat, and beavers.

[17] The natural area of Jubilee College State Park contains over 40 miles[18] of multi-use trails maintained by volunteer user groups.