TOP 10 Wildlife habitat preservation in Illinois

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, located at 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction covering 891 acres of diverse habitats such as forest, prairie, wetland, and Plum Creek. Acquired between 1938 and 2007, this preserve was previously a Boy Scout camp and now offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on its 2.27 miles of natural surface trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the primitive campsites, sledding on the 40-foot hill in winter, and geocaching with permits. The Plum Creek Nature Center on site provides nature education opportunities for all ages, with a natural playscape for outdoor learning experiences. With state-threatened or endangered plant and animal species, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve is a protected Illinois Nature Preserve dedicated to conserving its natural resources for future generations.

Habitat Africa! The Forest is a unique zoo located at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, Illinois, United States. This institution is dedicated to showcasing the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the African continent, with a focus on the lush and vibrant forests found there. Visitors can explore a variety of habitats that are home to a wide range of animals, including primates, big cats, birds, and more. Through educational exhibits and interactive experiences, Habitat Africa! The Forest aims to raise awareness about conservation and the importance of preserving these precious habitats for future generations.

Bonnie's Prairie Nature Preserve is a picturesque park located in Watseka, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. With its diverse flora and fauna, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics in this serene setting. Bonnie's Prairie Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the great outdoors.

The Forest Preserve located at 3302 Waldron Road in Kankakee, Illinois, is a beautiful park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With acres of lush forest, winding trails, and serene lakes, this park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. Whether you're interested in hiking, bird watching, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, the Forest Preserve has something for everyone. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of Illinois.

Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located in Momence, Illinois. This tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the beauty of the wetlands ecosystem. With its diverse plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species, the preserve provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about the local environment. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Plum Valley Preserve, located in Crete, Illinois, is a 491-acre park that is part of the Plum Creek preservation system. This preserve protects forest and wetland habitats, as well as a portion of Plum Creek. Visitors can enjoy a variety of plant and wildlife species, including reptiles, birds, and unique plant species like lobed violet and fire pink. The preserve features a 1-mile crushed limestone segment of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, perfect for hiking and exploring. Additionally, Plum Valley Preserve has a 9-acre off-leash dog park with three enclosures, one of which is exclusively for small dogs. The Burville Road access area offers a picnic shelter for rental, ideal for gatherings of up to 60 people. Stay updated on news and upcoming programs at the preserve by following their Facebook page. Make a donation to support the Nature Foundation of Will County and help enhance the education, conservation, and recreation programs at Plum Valley Preserve.

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, located at 1042 Butter Ridge Road in Ullin, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers visitors a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Visitors to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, wildlife photography, and birdwatching. The refuge is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including waterfowl, Indiana bats, prothonotary warblers, and bald cypress trees. Canoeing through the waterways is a popular way to explore the swamps and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Heron Pond - Little Black Slough Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located in Vienna, Illinois, United States. This preserve offers visitors a peaceful and serene environment where they can explore the natural beauty of the area. With its tranquil pond, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife, Heron Pond is the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy a day of hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or simply want to reconnect with nature, Heron Pond - Little Black Slough Nature Preserve is the ideal destination for a day of outdoor adventure.

The Brunner Family Forest Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 18N681 State Route 31 in Carpentersville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, serene meadows, and scenic trails. With its diverse wildlife, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty, the Brunner Family Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to hike, picnic, birdwatch, or simply relax in the great outdoors, this preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 7071 Riverview Road in Thomson, Illinois, United States. This refuge has been a sanctuary for fish, wildlife, and people since 1924, stretching 261 river miles along the Mississippi River floodplain. With over 240,000 acres of protected land, the refuge is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities, attracting over 3.7 million visitors annually. The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center provides valuable information and resources for visitors, including pool maps outlining areas for hunting, fishing, and recreation. The center also offers opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, from the summer sounds of frogs to the fall migration of birds.

Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 12749 North Weldon Road in Rockford, Illinois, United States. This serene preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore nature at its finest, with walking trails, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. The preserve is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing escape, Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve is a must-visit destination in Rockford.

Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve, located at 1701 Morman Road in Amboy, Illinois, is a park and tourist attraction that was purchased by the Illinois Audubon Society in 2012. This 302-acre wetland complex is a rare and fragile portion of the Green River Lowlands section of the Grand Prairie Division. The preserve features black oak sand savannas, sedge meadows, and dry sand prairie, providing diverse habitats for native flora and fauna. The watery nature of Amboy Marsh makes it a unique and important environment, with springs, seeps, marshes, and wetlands supporting a variety of wildlife, including amphibians that rely on fishless ponds for breeding. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy birdwatching and may spot a variety of bird species, as documented in the Avian Breeding Community report for 2019.

Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 3714 West Rockton Road in Rockton, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve, owned and managed by the Natural Land Institute, features restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands along Raccoon Creek and the Rock and Pecatonica rivers. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors of wildflowers like wild bergamot and sunflowers, as well as observe a variety of wildlife species, including migrating waterfowl and songbirds. The preserve is open to the public daily, with entrances at both 3190 W. Rockton Rd. for private events and 3714 W. Rockton Rd. for general admission. Visitors can explore the Dianne Nora Nature Trail, a 2.5 mile path around the wetland that offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. The trail is free to access and open from sunrise to sunset, providing a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.

The Wildlife Prairie Park Visitors Center is a must-visit tourist attraction located at 3826 North Taylor Road in Hanna City, Illinois, United States. This center serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Wildlife Prairie Park, offering visitors a chance to learn about and connect with the diverse wildlife and natural habitats found within the park. The center provides information, maps, and guided tours to help visitors make the most of their experience at this beautiful destination. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, animal lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape into the great outdoors, the Wildlife Prairie Park Visitors Center is the perfect starting point for your adventure.

The Emma Mae Leonhard Wildlife Sanctuary is a tranquil park and popular tourist attraction located at 1050 East Vandalia Road in Jacksonville, Illinois, United States. This sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature while observing a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitats. With its scenic walking trails, peaceful atmosphere, and educational information about local flora and fauna, the Emma Mae Leonhard Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at this picturesque sanctuary.

The H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 194 Bremer Lane in Butler, Illinois, United States. This sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, with a focus on wildlife conservation and education. With its lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and diverse range of flora and fauna, the H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and experience the wonders of this sanctuary, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, birdwatch, or simply relax and unwind in the beauty of nature.

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Owned by the State of Illinois and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, this park is a true natural wonder. The Friends of Bohm Woods and HeartLands Conservancy provide stewardship assistance to help maintain this beautiful area. Visitors can enjoy a 2-mile loop trail through the old growth forest, which is one of only three remaining in the entire Metro East region. The towering hardwood trees, some hundreds of years old, create a unique canopy that supports a diverse community of plants and animals. Rare spring wildflowers and neotropical migrant songbirds can be spotted in this pristine environment.

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.

Wildlife Prairie Park, located at 3826 N Taylor Road, Hanna City, Illinois, is a campground, lodging, park, and zoo all in one. This 1,800-acre zoological park is home to 60 different species and over 180 animals native to the area, including wolves, bison, black bears, elk, otters, and more. Visitors can enjoy natural landscapes, wildlife viewing, and various activities throughout the year. The park also offers event spaces for weddings, parties, corporate events, and retreats. Annual membership options are available, including the new VIA (Very Important Angler) Membership. Volunteer opportunities are also offered for those who want to help care for the animals and clean up the park. Wildlife Prairie Park is a top destination in Illinois and a must-visit for all ages.

The Rock Island County Forest Preserve is a beautiful park located at 13010 Niabi Zoo Road in Coal Valley, Illinois, United States. This peaceful and serene preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and more. With its lush greenery, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the great outdoors, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come visit and experience the beauty of nature at the Rock Island County Forest Preserve.

Niabi Zoo & Forest Preserves Foundation is a non-profit organization located at 13010 Niabi Zoo Road in Coal Valley, Illinois, United States. The foundation is dedicated to supporting the Niabi Zoo and the surrounding forest preserves through conservation efforts, educational programs, and community outreach. Visitors can explore the zoo's diverse collection of animals, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about the importance of wildlife conservation. The foundation also works to preserve and protect the natural habitats of the animals in the forest preserves, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. Join us in our mission to promote wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship at Niabi Zoo & Forest Preserves Foundation.

Baldwin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area is a scenic park and wildlife area located in Baldwin, Illinois, United States. This institution offers a beautiful natural setting where visitors can explore and observe a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat. The park also features a lake where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating activities. With its diverse ecosystem and peaceful surroundings, Baldwin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Russell Woods Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 11750 Illinois 72, Genoa, Illinois, United States. The Natural Resource Center at Russell Woods is currently closed for remodeling, but the park offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District's mission is to preserve and protect the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the land for the education and recreation of citizens. The forest preserves in the area serve as living museums, reflecting the past and offering serenity and beauty in the present.

Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 2901 Park Avenue in Westchester, Illinois, United States. This park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve boasts a diverse range of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species that call this beautiful prairie home. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics surrounded by the serene beauty of the preserve. Come experience the tranquility and natural wonder of Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located in Lemont, Illinois, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery, and winding trails, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or a fun day out with family and friends, this beautiful park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 16400 West Buckley Road in Libertyville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and a tranquil lake perfect for picnics, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors, Independence Grove Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a renowned animal rehabilitation facility located at 525 South Park Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA. This health institution is dedicated to providing expert care and treatment to injured and orphaned wildlife, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats. The center offers a range of medical services, rehabilitation programs, and educational initiatives to promote the well-being and conservation of local wildlife species. Visit Willowbrook Wildlife Center to witness their compassionate work in action and learn more about the importance of preserving our natural environment.

Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve is a breathtaking park and tourist attraction located at 1401 Middlefork Drive in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States. This pristine preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore a beautiful savanna ecosystem filled with diverse flora and fauna. With winding trails, peaceful meadows, and tranquil wetlands, Middlefork Savanna is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll or hike. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve is a must-visit destination in Lake Forest.

The Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center is a popular tourist attraction located at 2101 North Lincoln Park West in Chicago, Illinois, United States. As part of the Lincoln Park Zoo, this institution houses a variety of exotic animals, including majestic lions and a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. Visitors can observe these animals up close in their naturalistic habitats and learn about conservation efforts to protect their species. The Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center offers a unique and educational experience for animal lovers of all ages.

Lake Chaminwood Preserve is a beautiful 120-acre park located in Minooka, Illinois. It is part of the DuPage River preservation system, conserving over 1,500 acres of natural habitat. The preserve features two lakes, a portion of the DuPage River, and wetland habitat, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking at the preserve. There is a picnic shelter available for small groups to use on a first-come, first-served basis. The preserve also offers interactive maps for visitors to plan their adventures and explore the area.