Nature & Wildlife

Anyone who loves nature and wildlife can enjoy the spectacular beauty bound by the massive water, gently rolling hills and prairie that include the Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway.  The Mississippi River, our nation's largest river offers the perfect setting for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to admire and enjoy rich landscape through four spectacular seasons. Blessed with and array of dramatic landscape and serene getaways, the route offers natural beauty that attracts lovers of nature and explorers, as well as an array of wildlife that call the Mississippi River home.

Albany

Albany Indian Mounds State Historic Site
12th Avenue & South Cherry Streets
(309) 887-4335
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Albany Mounds features Indian burial grounds dating back to 2000 B.C. Stroll down a trail surrounded by 15 acres, once home to prehistoric people. The trail winds across tall prairie grass, where a visitor can enjoy a quiet natural setting and diverse wildlife, including turkeys, rabbits, birds and white-tailed deer. A picnic area and shelter are available as well as a trailhead to the Great River Trail.

Andalusia

Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
19408 Loud Thunder Road
(309) 795-1040
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Gorham

Oakwood Bottoms/Greentree Reservoir/Turkey Bayou
Drive Route 3 south of the Route 149 intersection about 6 miles
(618) 826-2706

Enjoy over 2,200 acres of nature and wildlife setting. The hiking trail takes you high on the bluffs to a magnificent view overlooking the Mississippi River. This area offers exceptional birding opportunities, including migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors, as well as wood ducks and bald eagles. Sheltered tables, fishing piers and a boardwalk with several overlooks are also offered.

Grafton

Pere Marquette State Park
Route 100 on the Great River Road
(618) 786-2331
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Located outside of Grafton on 8,000 wooded acres along the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is a nature-lover's paradise. The natural splendor of the region and its rich history of animal and human habitation goes back eons. Lush towering bluffs and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop. About 230 species of birds have been identified within the area. A variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, horseback riding and picnicking are available. There are 50 spacious guest rooms, 22 stone cabins, a dining room and gift shop that will make your stay more enjoyable. Explore the Visitors Center and enjoy numerous exhibits and displays. A full-time site interpreter is available to provide educational programs to groups of all ages. The park is located on the Great River Road but is a part of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

Hamilton

Montebello Eagle Site
(800) 978-4748

Put on your hiking boots and enjoy a wooded trail that provides a perfect and picturesque means to enjoy nature at its finest. An abandoned bridge overlooks the area and provides a spectacular view of winter bald eagle watching, and a variety of wildlife. A boat launch is also available.

Savanna

Mississippi Palisades State Park
16327A IL Route 84 North
(815) 273-2731
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Located three miles north of Savanna in Carroll County, this 2,500-acre recreational facility offers picnicking, hiking, camping and limited hunting on the scenic palisades of the Mississippi River. The national landmark offers lofty, steep cliffs, spectacular scenery, and puts nature lovers in touch with the great outdoors with wooded ravines and lush natural landscape filled with brilliant plant life and abundant animal wildlife. Numerous opportunities to observe grazing white-tailed deer and other animals. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Mississippi River from the overlook.

 

Spring Lake/Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
One mile north of Savanna
(815) 273-2732

Tucked away in a quiet, gentle area south of Savanna, Spring Lake is recognized as one of the strongest destinations to enjoy nature and wildlife, especially birding, along the Great River Road in Illinois. The viewing tower and hiking trails are excellent access points for observation and photo opportunities.

Thomson

Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center
7071 Riverview Road
(815) 273-2723

Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this center contains a variety of wildlife displays and exhibits that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. The center offers educational programs and workshops. Steps from the center, visitors can enjoy a personal tour to an actual wetland, which can attract up to 10,000 birds.