Illinois is home to many beautiful forest preserves that allow residents and visitors to experience nature without leaving the state. With over 260 forest preserves spanning more than 70,000 acres, choosing the biggest can be a difficult task. In this article, we will explore the largest forest preserves in Illinois and look at what makes them unique.
Shawnee National Forest
Covering over 280,000 acres across southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is the largest public land holding in the state. Within its borders, Shawnee contains over 186,000 acres of forest, making it the biggest forest preserve in Illinois by a significant margin.
Shawnee National Forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, and more. The rugged forested hills provide a sense of remoteness despite the forest’s accessibility. Popular trails include the River to River Trail, a 160-mile trek across the forest, and the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, known for its unique rock formations.
Scenic portions of the forest include the Little Grand Canyon, with its steep, forested slopes, and the limestone bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. The forest is home to over 400 wildlife species, including wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, river otters, and bald eagles.
Recreation in Shawnee National Forest
In addition to hiking, Shawnee National Forest offers opportunities for:
- Camping – The forest has 11 developed campgrounds and unlimited backcountry camping.
- Fishing – Many lakes and streams provide fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish, and other fish.
- Hunting – Hundreds of thousands of acres are open to hunting deer, turkey, and other game.
- Swimming – Public swimming areas can be found at the Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
- Rock Climbing – Sandstone cliffs and outcrops, like those at Jackson Falls, attract climbers.
- Horseback Riding – Over 200 miles of trail are open to equestrian use.
Major Areas Within Shawnee National Forest
Some of the top sites and regions within Shawnee National Forest include:
- Garden of the Gods – Iconic rock formations and scenic trails.
- Lake Glendale Recreation Area – Popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Jackson Falls – Known for its cliff faces for rock climbing and rappelling.
- Panther Den Wilderness – Remote, rugged area with trails and backcountry camping.
- Cedar Lake – Scenic lake ringed by hills and cliffs.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie encompasses over 19,000 acres, making it one of the largest conserved prairies in the United States. Though smaller than Shawnee National Forest, it represents an increasingly rare Midwestern prairie habitat.
Midewin contains a mosaic of wetlands, streams, and prairie segments interspersed with woodlands and savannas. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the varied terrain and view wildlife, including birds, deer, coyotes, foxes, and more. The prairie is a critical refuge for grassland birds like the dickcissel, bobolink, and meadowlark.
History of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Midewin has a unique history:
- The land was originally acquired by the U.S. Army in World War II for the production of explosives.
- From the 1940s to the 1970s, the Joliet Arsenal operated on the site, producing bombs and artillery shells.
- In 1996, the arsenal was decommissioned, and the land was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service.
- Restoration efforts began to return the land to a native prairie landscape.
- In 2015, Midewin was designated as a U.S. National Tallgrass Prairie, providing it permanent protected status.
Despite its former use for industry and warfare, decades of ecological restoration have allowed Midewin to recover as a haven for prairie species and ecosystem.
Recreation at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Midewin offers many visitor activities, including:
- Hiking – Over 45 miles of trails for hiking through prairie, woods, and wetlands.
- Biking – 20 miles of trail open to biking.
- Birdwatching – Over 200 species of birds recorded at Midewin.
- Hunting – Controlled hunts help manage populations of deer and other game.
- Fishing – Catch-and-release fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, and other fish.
- Horseback Riding – Equestrians permitted on designated trails.
Notable Parts of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Top sites and features at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie include:
- Iron Bridge Trailhead – Starting point for many trails with a restored iron bridge.
- Tallgrass Trail – Path through restored prairie with interpretive information.
- Walnut Creek – Scenic stream through restored wetlands.
- Eliza’s Cantina – Historic ranch house built in 1847, now a visitor’s center.
- Buffalo-tracking Walk – Highlights Midewin’s American bison reintroduction.
Conclusion
In summary, Shawnee National Forest is the largest forest preserve in Illinois at over 280,000 acres. It provides opportunities to experience massive natural forest areas in the state through camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is smaller at around 19,000 acres but protects invaluable prairie habitat that was once abundant in Illinois. Both preserves allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife just a short distance from Chicago and other urban areas. Their large size and ecosystem diversity make them ecological treasures for Illinois.
