South Patrol Road Prairie Restoration
In the 500-acre South Patrol Road prairie restoration nearly 200 different plant species have been planted and visitors will see sections of 8-foot-tall prairie grasses. The area is a mix of prairie and wetlands. Grassland bird species to see/hear include meadowlarks, bobolinks, dickcissels. Frogs to see and hear include leopard frog, chorus frogs, American Toad.
Plant species to see include prairie dock, big bluestem, foxglove beardtongue, golden alexander. Blooming times will vary so don't forget to check the “Whats in Bloom” board at the Welcome Center for up-to-date in-bloom info! Take the Henslow Trail to walk in and see this incredible restoration.
General Information
January 1 - December 31
Address: 30239 S. State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: 815-423-6370
Hours: May 2 to November 5: Mon - Sat, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | November to April: Mon - Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Trails: year-round, Mon - Sun, 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Welcome Center
- Turn left/south onto Route 53
- Travel south for 1 mile to River Road.
- Turn right/west onto River Road.
- Travel west on River Road for 2.2 miles.
- Turn right/north onto Boathouse Road.
- Follow the gravel driveway to the 2nd parking lot at the end of the gated road.
From I-55
- Take Exit 241 for North River Road
- Turn left/east North River Road.
- Travel 0.50 miles on North River Road
- Turn left onto Boathouse Road.
- Follow the gravel driveway to the 2nd parking lot at the end of the gated road.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
