The Middle Fork River is an excellent waterway with small springs on hillsides, which has an abundance of forested land along it's banks as well as several prairie sites. The Middle Fork River Valley supports a great diversity of plants and animals including 57 types of fish, 45 different mammals, and 190 kinds of birds. The Middle Fork River also contains numerous unusual geologic formations, various historic sites, and over 8,400 acres of public parks.

The Middle Fork River was Illinois’ first State Scenic River. It was designated as such in 1986 by Governor James R. Thompson. The Middle Fork is the first river in Illinois to be included in the National Wild Scenic Rivers System.

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