Lake Shabbona State Recreational Area
Illinois, August 31, 2011

Tomahawk Trail

This 5-mile loop trail samples the rolling prairie and bottomland woods that characterize the 1,550-acre Shabbona Lake State Park. Beginning at the Shabbona Grove picnic area on the 318-acre lake's southwest corner, this route heads east along the earthen dam past the spillway. Turning north on the Tomahawk Trail, the trail winds in and out of dense woodlands, occasionally touching the lakeshore, but offering views of it along most of the route.


Originally home to tribes of Native Americans, the park derives its name from Chief Shabbona. Pioneer settlement of the area began in the 1830's.

Arrowhead Trail
In 1965, it was decided to develop a lake and recreation area on the site, and land acquisition was begun in 1969. By 1978, 1,550 acres had been obtained. In 1973, the lake area was cleared of trees, the shoreline was modified and earthen fishing piers and fish congregators were erected. By 1975, a 3,000-foot-long earthen dam with a concrete spillway was completed and the lake was formed. Day use facilities were constructed in 1976 and continue to serve the public today. In 1995 a restaurant, boat rental and bait and tackle facility was opened for business. This facility provides a sit-down eating area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a fully stocked bait and tackle shop. Boat rentals include boats with and without motors.