If you’ve ever tried to climb into a kayak without tipping yourself into the water, Russellville’s newest park improvement might be right up your alley.
Illinois Bayou Park has a brand-new floating dock, complete with a kayak launch designed to make getting on and off the water a whole lot easier.
“There was a stationary dock here that didn’t float, made of wood. And we’ve changed it to our floating dock with a kayak ramp on the end of it. It’s 52 foot long with a kayak ramp and two walkways down to it,” said Russellville Parks and Recreation Director Terry Thomas.
The old wooden dock had been there for 15 to 20 years, and the replacement brings a few welcome upgrades.
The new kayak launch is especially handy. Kayakers can slide their boats into position, use their paddles to pull themselves into the water, and do the same thing in reverse when they’re ready to call it a day.
Thomas explained that paddlers simply guide their kayaks into the launch and use special slots to maneuver themselves into the water.
“You just pull yourself out to the water,” he said.
It’s only the second kayak launch of its kind in Russellville’s park system. The other is at the ski area near the disc golf course off Pleasant View Road.
The project cost $85,288.63, funded entirely through Russellville’s one-cent parks and recreation sales tax. The City Council approved the funding in August.
And while the kayak launch is a nice addition, the dock also serves the many boaters who use Illinois Bayou Park to get out on Lake Dardanelle.
Thomas said it’s the city’s largest boat launch facility in terms of parking, with room for around 75 boats and trailers.
During a recent college fishing tournament that brought nearly 300 boats to the area, he counted more than 50 that had launched from this park alone.
If you’ve never explored Illinois Bayou Park, you might be surprised by what’s tucked away just off Highway 64 West.
The 62-acre park has quite a bit to offer, even if you don’t own a boat or kayak.
“We’ve got a mountain biking trail. There’s about 10 miles of mountain biking trail, and then there’s a mile, a little over a mile of paved trail that goes back along the water here, along the lake,” Thomas said.
Those mountain biking trails are part of the Ouita Coal Company Mountain Bike Trail, a popular destination for mountain bikers and trail runners.
The trail winds through wooded terrain between Interstate 40 and Lake Dardanelle, offering everything from scenic lake views to rocky sections and challenging climbs. Parts of the trail follow terrain shaped by the area’s historic coal-mining activity.
It’s a favorite among local riders, but you don’t have to own a mountain bike to explore it. Hikers, runners and leashed dogs are welcome, too.
The trail can be accessed from Illinois Bayou Park, where visitors will also find the paved Wildlife Observation Trail. That route offers a more leisurely way to enjoy the woods and waterfront, with little side paths and informational signs highlighting deer, turkey, turtles and other wildlife found in the area.
You’ll also find picnic areas, barbecue grills, restrooms and even a bicycle repair station near the mountain biking trailhead.
And you don’t have to be particularly adventurous to enjoy the place.
“And then a lot of people just come out here and eat lunch. I mean it is a quiet area right on the lake, picnic sites,” Thomas said.
And that’s part of what makes this park different. You won’t find playgrounds or ballfields here. It’s more about getting outside, exploring the trails, fishing or spending a little time by the water.
With cooler fall weather finally making an appearance, it’s a pretty good time to check it out.
Illinois Bayou Park is located at 6630 U.S. Highway 64 West in Russellville. The new dock and kayak launch are open for use.
You can find more information on the City of Russellville’s park website, along with additional details about the Ouita Coal Company Mountain Bike Trail.
