Inland Sea

Located in Oakwood near Vermilion County, the Inland Sea access point provides boat and canoe access to the scenic Middle Fork Vermillion River. This site works best during spring and early summer when water levels are higher, allowing paddlers to reach the nearby Illinois River just a couple miles downstream. The river supports excellent fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish species.

The Middle Fork Vermillion is part of the National Scenic River System, which means the area maintains its natural character with stringent protections. Paddlers should be prepared for varying water conditions and may encounter other recreational users, particularly tubers during peak seasons. Additional access points in the area include Higginsville Bridge, Middle Fork Wildlife Area, Kennekuk County Park, and Kickapoo State Park, which offers canoe rentals and shuttle services if you need them for multi-day trips or one-way paddles.