Annual refuge visits in Illinois

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, located in Carterville, Illinois, United States, is a beautiful park that offers visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking and canoeing to hunting and birdwatching, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this national wildlife refuge. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and a variety of songbirds. Visitors can easily pay entrance fees, buy annual vessel passes, or reserve campsites online before their visit. The refuge will also be a great viewing area for the total solar eclipse in April 2024, with over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time. Special use permits are required for some commercial, recreational, and research activities at the refuge.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located at 8588 Illinois 148 in Marion, Illinois, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park and tourist attraction offers a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, and birdwatching. The visitor center makes it convenient for guests to pay entrance fees, purchase annual vessel passes, and reserve campsites through recreation.gov. National wildlife refuges, like Crab Orchard, provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to reconnect with the natural world. With over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time, the refuge will be an ideal location for viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Those planning to attend this event can find helpful eclipse tips on the website.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, located at 7071 Riverview Rd in Thomson, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that has been a sanctuary for fish, wildlife, and people since 1924. Stretching 261 river miles along the Mississippi River floodplain, this refuge protects over 240,000 acres of land. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities, with over 3.7 million annual visits to the refuge. The Pool Maps provide detailed information on where you can engage in these activities. The refuge also allows for some commercial, recreational, and research activities with a special use permit. Come explore the refuge and discover the diverse wildlife that changes with the seasons, from the sounds of frogs in the summer to the fall migration. Join us in conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural habitats for the benefit of all Americans. Please note that some website links may not comply with accessibility requirements and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Harmony Trail is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Marion, Illinois, United States. As part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can easily pay entrance fees, purchase annual vessel passes, and reserve campsites through recreation.gov. This national wildlife refuge offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, or birdwatching, a visit to Harmony Trail is a great way to explore the outdoors. In addition to recreational activities, the refuge will be a prime viewing area for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, providing over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time. Visitors can prepare for this event by learning safety tips and viewing opportunities. Some commercial, recreational, and research activities on the refuge require a special use permit, ensuring the conservation of the area.

Frog Pond is a park and tourist attraction located at 9898 Illinois 84, Savanna, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which has been a sanctuary for fish, wildlife, and people since 1924. The refuge spans 261 river miles, protecting over 240,000 acres of Mississippi River floodplain. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities, with more than 3.7 million annual visits. The park offers pool maps outlining where visitors can engage in various activities. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe a variety of species throughout the seasons, from the summer sounds of frogs to the fall migration. Frog Pond works to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for the benefit of the American people. Please note that some activities require a special use permit. Explore the beauty of the refuge and embark on your next adventure at Frog Pond!

Welcome to Kankakee Sands Illinois - Carl Becker Savanna Nestled in the heart of Illinois 60958, Kankakee Sands Illinois - Carl Becker Savanna offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. As one of the few remaining areas in the Midwest that retains its pre-settlement charm, this park is a sanctuary of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Welcome to Kankakee Sands Illinois - Tallmadge Sand Forest Nestled in the culturally rich community of Hopkins Park, Illinois, Kankakee Sands Illinois - Tallmadge Sand Forest is a stunning natural park that offers a glimpse into the Midwest's pristine past. This unique landscape is home to some of the world's rarest black oak savannas, remnants of a time when these habitats stretched across millions of acres. A visit here is like stepping back in time to a tranquil savanna filled with birdsong, expansive prairie grasses, and vibrant wildflowers.