With views of the scenic Current River and a history as a corporate retreat, Current River State Park offers a peaceful haven for today’s visitor.
Current River State Park is built around the former retreat of the Alton Box Board Co. of Alton, Ill. Constructed during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Alton Club buildings themselves reflect the rustic architectural style used by the National Park Service in the early part of the 20th century. In addition to overnight lodging, activities offered at the Alton Club included floating, fishing, swimming, tennis, horseback riding and golf.
Today’s visitors to Current River State Park can enjoy hiking trails, two lakes and picnic sites. Park staff provides tours of the historic Alton Club buildings and explains the park’s history.
Picnic Areas
The park offers the perfect place for an afternoon picnic with picnic sites scattered throughout the park. The boat house and the barbecue house can be used as picnic shelters on a first-come first-served basis.
Fishing
The park offers two lakes where hopeful anglers can cast their line for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The upper lake is open to fishing year round while the lower lake is open for fishing May through October. All statewide regulations and license requirements apply.
Canoeing and kayaking
The park’s two lakes are ideal for an easy afternoon of boating, canoeing or kayaking. Small non-motorized boats are permitted at the upper lake year round. The lower lake is open to small, non-motorized boats May through October. There are no boat ramps on the lakes, so it is necessary to carry boats to the water.
The park is located along Current River but there are currently no boat ramps along the river. Visitors can access the river on their own or play or wade in the water.
