To out-of-staters, Illinois is known for Chicago's architecture, Abraham Lincoln, and farming. However, locals know the Prairie State is also a haven of natural splendor, especially when it comes to birding. The local chapter of the Audubon Society has been active here since 1897, and it has set aside some absolutely spectacular pieces of land to preserve territory for migratory and native birds. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to the Helen & Betty Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, where more than 160 species of birds have been observed. This spot in Hillsboro, about 50 miles south of Springfield, has a history that's absolutely rich. Grab your binoculars and lace up the hiking boots, because nature's calling!

The stunning Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary in Montgomery County was given to the Illinois Audubon Society in 1977, but locals had been admiring its lovely landscape for more than a century beforehand. This slice of paradise started as a family farm in 1857, and as the state was becoming more developed, the Bremer descendants wanted to make sure the old family property wouldn't be developed or sub-divided. Fortunately, their wish was granted... and the landscape is still stunning to this day.

With 203 acres, Bremer Sanctuary isn't one of the biggest parks in Illinois, but it is hugely important. With a mixture of upland oak-hickory forest, savanna, and grassland, it provides a number of habitats for migratory and nesting birds. Old crop fields in the park are being restored to their natural state, so this landscape is on its way to being even more beautiful.

With waterways and abundant food sources, dozens of bird species have been spotted here on any given day. Wild turkey, songbirds, and seasonal neotropical migrants are welcome visitors. The preservation efforts in the sanctuary have resulted in a breeding population of state-endangered Henslow’s Sparrow (pictured below), and 2024 also brought a record population of breeding eastern bluebirds.

Though the Audubon Society focuses its attention on birds, their initiatives benefit a number of other indigenous critters. Mammals like deer and opossum are common, and summertime brings insects like dragonflies and damselflies to the local landscape. As this landscape is integral to the preservation of local wildlife, it's important to leave nothing but footsteps during your visit. And if you do see any animals, be sure to keep some respectful distance and stay quiet. After all, this pretty place is their home.

While the Bluebird Trail is the longest hike in the park (and it's home to 50 nesting boxes, so it's a route birdwatchers love), there are several different paths you can enjoy. Cress Creek trail will take you along a gorgeous waterway, and Timber Trail boasts a scenic little covered bridge. Truly, any path you hike in this Illinois wildlife sanctuary is bound to be breathtaking.

With ponds, wetlands, streams, and trees like white and bur oaks, it's no wonder Bremer Sanctuary has attracted so much wildlife. It's a rich and diverse landscape with the food and habitat native species need to thrive, and it's an absolute treat to visit. Hikers can swing by between dawn and dusk, and four-legged nature lovers are welcome as long as they're on a leash. Remember to bring some bags along for any droppings Fido might leave behind, though, as it's important to keep this landscape as pristine as possible.

There's so much to love about this stunning wildlife sanctuary in Illinois. It showcases the might of Mother Nature in its efforts to adapt and overcome, and the slow transition of old farmland into savanna is a real-time tale of vitality. Bring some binoculars and a camera if you can, because even if you're not an active birdwatcher, you won't be able to resist getting eyes on them.

Want a more urban birdwatching experience to round out your Illinois nature bucket list? Watch for migratory birds in Chicago's Lincoln Park this year!