Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Trail Map: Download

The Running Deer Trail (marked in yellow) is just over 3 miles in length and takes about 2 hours to complete at a comfortable pace. The main trail begins and ends at the public parking area near the Archery Range. Additional loops (marked in blue) are used primarily by mountain bikers, but they are open to hikers as well. These add-ons double the overall length of the original trail, making it a 4-hour trek instead of two.  Because hikers and bikers both use these trails, please stay alert to avoid any collisions on the trails.

Special Note: There is a waterfall nearby the park that many hike to. This is NOT in Dirksen Park and is not part of Pekin Park District. The landowner has asked us to notify the public that hiking to this area is trespassing on PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Hours: Vary by season

The Park District has partnered with Pekin Archers, Inc. to operate and maintain the Archery Range and assist with programs. Open to kids aged 10 through adult, Pekin Archery Club teaches all aspects of archery, including proper safety, terminology, the parts of a bow and arrow, and targets. Participants less than 16 years old need to be accompanied by a parent. All archery equipment is provided. Questions? Contact the Recreation Department Office at (309) 347-7275 for more information.

About Pekin Archers, Inc. 

Pekin Archers is dedicated to promoting good sportsmanship and perpetuating the sport of archery. The range located in Dirksen Park boasts a 4-star NFAA range and is home to many accomplished archers. Pekin Archers and Pekin Park District are partnering to use this land for various purposes. Safety is a priority; thus, an experienced archer must be on sight when the range is in use. A part of this relationship allows residents of our community to use the range to shoot a bow and arrow into a target. Another part of this partnership includes Archers from the Club teaching group archery lessons to those registered through the Pekin Park District classes in the Spring and Summer sessions.

Becoming a member of the club is easy. Just visit Pekin Bass and Bow on Derby St. in Pekin or Presley’s Outdoor in Bartonville, IL. The membership fee is just $40 for your family per year (March – February). You can attend Club work days at the range for a reduced membership fee. They host 3D shoots from March through Sept., ASA State Qualifiers and Championships, and field and target shoots. Please note that broadhead bows are not allowed in the park as they cause damage to targets. The range is located in Pekin Park District’s Dirksen Park, on Rt. 98, just one mile east of Parkway Drive. If you’d like to visit the range, contact Pekin Archers President Nancy Kerley.

Call: (309) 241-2283
Email: pekinarchers1@gmail.com
Facebook: Pekin Archers
Address: 2501 Edgewater Dr. Pekin, IL

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

The Park District has partnered with the Remote Control Airplane Flying Club or RC Club to operate and maintain the field. If interested in being involved with the club and utilizing its amenities, contact Denny Baker at 309-740-3761 or at cbaker@casscomm.com

Several covered shelters also sit around the park. Pack a lunch or look for a park grill and make a hot meal you can enjoy. As always, be sure to clean up whatever mess you make at the grills and tables.