Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area

Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area, located at 4320 West Toto Road in North Judson, Indiana, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The 4,199-acre property includes open water, marshes, riparian timber, periodically flooded crop fields, and 11 miles of river, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife.

The area was once part of the Kankakee Grand Marsh, a vast wetland that was largely drained for agricultural use in the late 1800s. In 1923, the State purchased a portion of the remaining marsh for a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, which later became a game preserve. Waterfowl management efforts began in the 1950s, and the property has since been expanded through land acquisitions in 1982, 1992, and 2010.

Kankakee FWA is renowned for its waterfowl and dove hunting opportunities, as well as fishing, birding, and kayaking. The property is open 24/7, but some activities may have specific open times, especially during draws. Revenue from hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, as well as federal programs, is used for land acquisition, development, and maintenance.

Visitors can enjoy the rich history and diverse wildlife at Kankakee FWA, celebrating 100 years of providing habitat for wildlife and outdoor activities in 2023. For more information or questions, contact KankakeeFWA@dnr.IN.gov.