The college was founded in 1839 by Philander Chase, the first Episcopal bishop of Illinois, with the intent of training clergy for the frontier.
The main college building is constructed from locally quarried golden-hued sandstone.
The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
During the Great Depression, the site served as a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
The park's equestrian trails are some of the longest and most established in central Illinois.
The college ceased operations in 1868 after the death of Bishop Chase and a lack of sustained funding.
Jubilee College State Park is a 3,200-acre site centered around the historic 1839 Jubilee College building, one of the earliest educational institutions in Illinois. The park offers extensive recreation, including over 15 miles of trails designated for equestrian use, hiking, and mountain biking. Camping facilities consist of 113 sites, ranging from primitive tent spots to areas with electrical hookups. The landscape features rolling topography, mature oak-hickory forests, and open meadows. Fishing is permitted in several stocked ponds within the park boundaries. The historic college structure serves as a regional museum, showcasing mid-19th-century architecture and history. The grounds provide significant habitat for wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
The front facade of the historic sandstone college building framed by mature trees.
Bring insect repellent, as the dense forest cover and wetlands can lead to high mosquito activity during humid summer months.
Check in at the park office upon arrival for updated trail maps, as some paths are restricted based on weather conditions to prevent erosion.
Wear blaze orange if visiting during the state's designated hunting seasons.
Do not attempt to enter the historic college building outside of designated guided tour times or public museum hours.
The historic college building has limited operating days and is typically closed during the winter season.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile forest floor, and keep pets on a leash at all times.
