The Observation Tower At This 3,000-Acre Park Will Show You Illinois Like Never Before
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 17, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
The best views in the state can be found atop this observation tower in Hennepin, Illinois. If you love nature and wide-open spaces, this will become your new favorite place to roam. Scroll on to check it out:
Situated in northern Illinois just south of the bend of the Illinois River is a 3,100-acre wetland area that is very eco-diverse. Visitors will find shallow lakes near the river, marshes, savannas, and prairies.
The best feature is an observation tower near the entrance to the park. Not only does it break up the flat, vastness of the prairie-land, but it also provides a place for guests to get a glimpse of this park from a whole new perspective.
Known as the Arthur A. Nolan Jr. Observation Tower, this giant structure is 30 feet high. It is worth the climb though, as you'll get to see the wetlands and prairies from the sky.
Signs help teach guests about the history and diversity of this unique park. Some detail the numerous bird species that live here while others talk about what this land has been used for in the past.
Enjoyable just about any time of the year, this wonderful area features more than just an observation tower. There are also 2.7 miles of trails, including a half-mile boardwalk path. Guests may also fish during the summer.
History and nature come together for a wonderful day of immaculate views, seeing wildlife, and learning something new. A brand new journey awaits at this fabulous nature refuge.
The Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is open daily between dawn and dusk, and you can learn more about it here. If you’ve ever been to the observation tower at this park, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.