Explore 18,094 Acres Of Unparalleled Views Of Grassland On The Scenic Buffalo Viewing Trail In Illinois
There’s a reason Illinois is known as the Prairie State with rolling grassland as far as the eye can see. The North American prairie is actually an endangered ecosystem due to agriculture, urbanization, and other factors. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, established in 1996 by the Illinois Land Conservation Act, protects 18,094 acres of this fragile ecosystem and has hiking trails for all to enjoy. The Buffalo Viewing Trail in Illinois gives some of the best views of the grasslands as well as the opportunity to view the bison who live here.
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The Buffalo Viewing Trail is a 3.6-mile loop with moderate traffic and only a 52-foot elevation gain. It is good for all hiking levels, including children, and dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
From the trail, you will get some of the best grassland views in the park. Enjoy unparalleled prairie views all around you. They are simply breathtaking.
The prairie seems endless along certain parts of the trail, so you may want to stop, look around, and take it all in. It's quite a special place to spend time.
You will see remnants of the former Joliet ammunitions plant that was open during World War II. Several army ammunition bunkers are seen along the trail and give a glimpse into the history of what was once here.
The Forest Service has been working to restore the prairie lands at Midewin. In 2015, a herd of bison was introduced to help with the restoration. You may see these large animals grazing while you are hiking. If not, you have the opportunity to view a livestream of them on the park's website.
Stop in for a visit at the Midewin Welcome Center, where you can view interpretive signs to learn more about prairie habitat as well as the Bison Project.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
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