Iron Furnace Historic Site

Originally built in 1837, this thirty two foot tall structure was constructed on a limestone foundation and erected with limestone blocks quarried locally from the town of Cave-In-Rock. This iron furnace is the last remaining of its kind in Illinois. It is thought that some of the iron produced here was transported to the Union Army during the Civil War.

Today visitors can enjoy a sheltered picnic area along the banks of Big Creek. The water is often deep enough for swimming.

A 1/2 mile trail leading from the back of the picnic area features bottomland habitat and bottomland tree species. The trail winds along Big Creek and offers 2 or 3 deep old-fashioned fishing holes.