[1] Today, Kickapoo State Park has 221 acres (89 ha) of ponds and lakes with nearly 35 miles (56 km) of hiking trails for many types of recreational activities including camping, canoeing, hunting, mountain biking, and fishing.

[1] According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, archaeological evidence indicates the existence of a village inhabited by Native Americans of the Woodland and Mississippian cultures somewhere between 500 and 1500.

[2] Many European settlers from the early 20th century are buried in Allhands Cemetery, which is located in the eastern section of the park.

Other settlers such as John Cox, an Indian fighter and scout in the Black Hawk War,[2] and his wife are buried at the entrance to Fox Campground in a small pioneer cemetery.

The state of Illinois initially purchased 1,290 acres of land from the United Electric Coal Company in 1939 and added additional areas to the park in subsequent years.

[1] Clint C. Tilton, a local newspaper owner and historian, began the drive that brought this park to Vermilion County.

Kelley Quinn, a spokeswoman from former Governor Rod Blagojevich's office, said "[p]arks are closing across the country; people are being laid off...[you] have to consider the national economy.

[6] Due to the protests, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich decided to allow Kickapoo to remain open while 7 other state parks were closed.

[1] This nature preserve of 69.2 acres [9] is home to many different tree species including white and black oak, hickory, blue beech, sugar maple, basswood, ironwood, redbud, and sassafras.

In the springtime, a variety of wildflowers can also be seen including: violets, bluebells, spring beauties, Dutchman's-breeches, and nodding trilliums.

[1] Of the 100 different bird species spotted within the park,[10] the belted kingfisher, pileated woodpecker, red-winged blackbird, great blue heron, and least bittern are the most commonly seen.

In addition to the multitude of bird species spotted within the park, there are also a variety of mammals including white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, and muskrats.

Some of the most common catches by fishermen are largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

[11] Visitors may rent boats by the hour for use on Clear Lake within the park, or sign up for a trip down the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River with a canoe, kayak, or inner tube.

[11] In addition to rental services, Kickapoo Adventures sells fishing licenses, tackle, and an assortment of worms for bait.

[13] There are 11 mountain biking routes in this area, ranging from easy to difficult, located in the northeast section of Kickapoo State Park.

[8] Registered hunters (using firearms or bows) are allowed to hunt white-tailed deer, cock pheasant, rabbit, and squirrels in the park twice a year.