Kankakee Sands Illinois - Mskoda Preserve Momence, IL 60954

Welcome to Kankakee Sands Illinois - Mskoda Preserve, a breathtaking natural sanctuary located in Momence, Illinois. This unique park is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the past with its pristine black oak savannas, unspoiled sand dunes, and vibrant prairie grasses and wildflowers.

Situated in the culturally rich community of Pembroke Township, one of the nation's oldest Black rural townships, Kankakee Sands-Illinois is part of the ancestral lands of the Potawatomi and other tribal nations. This area has remained largely unchanged for centuries, providing a living snapshot of the Midwest's pre-settlement landscape.

Geologically fascinating, the preserve's sandy soil and dunes were formed by the Kankakee Torrent during the last ice age. This unique habitat supports a diverse array of wildlife, including rare and threatened species like the regal fritillary butterfly, Henslow’s sparrows, and ornate box turtles.

Spanning 1,800 acres, Kankakee Sands is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The preserve is home to a variety of animals, from elusive foxes and coyotes to the industrious plains pocket gophers. Visitors may also spot a host of butterflies, dragonflies, and native bees fluttering among the wildflowers.

Kankakee Sands-Illinois is free and open to the public year-round, offering numerous walking trails for exploration. We invite you to immerse yourself in this tranquil escape, where the songs of birds and the rustle of prairie grasses provide a soothing soundtrack to your visit.

For those seeking more adventure, the surrounding communities of Hopkins Park, St. Anne, and Kankakee offer additional outdoor activities, museums, and festivals, including the annual Blueberry Festival.

To protect this precious ecosystem, we kindly ask visitors to stay on designated trails and respect private property boundaries. For a complete guide to exploring the preserve, including trail maps and visitor information, please visit our website.

Experience the timeless beauty of Kankakee Sands Illinois - Mskoda Preserve and connect with nature in its purest form.