photo: Charles Larry
Back March 27, 2017
Trip Ideas

An Illinois Home Where the Buffalo Roam

Majestic American bison herd reintroduced to Nachusa Grasslands

In October 2014, the Nachusa Grasslands were reintroduced to an old friend – the American bison. The Nature Conservancy, which operates the Grasslands, brought 30 bison to the preserve.

In 2016, just two years later, the Nachusa Grasslands herd numbered 89 bison – 53 cows and 36 bulls.

The reintroduction of the American bison to the Illinois countryside has been a success. Today, the animals happily wander their 1,500-acre preserve.

If you tried to build an animal ideally suited to thrive on the vast prairie of Illinois, you’d be hard pressed to design a better beast than the American bison.

Tough, resilient and nearly weatherproof, the American bison once numbered in the millions across North America. But habitat encroachment and wholesale hunting reduced the population to about 1,000 animals by the turn of the last century.

They typically stand 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Despite their bulk, the animals are amazingly agile. They can run as fast as a horse, and turn quickly.

The Nachusa Grasslands, a mix of tallgrass prairie, savanna and woodlands, covers 4,000 acres, so there’s plenty of room for hiking, birding and other outdoor activities. The bison herd lives behind fences on 1,500 acres, so you don’t need to worry about too-close bison encounters.

Learn More at the Nature Conservancy Website

Join us for #DougLofstrom & the New Quartet, performing world music & jazz at "Music at the Museum"  on March 22 at the #SavannaMuseum in #SavannaIL!  Enjoy unique arrangements of traditional pieces, light refreshments, and a casual cabaret atmosphere. Info at link in bio under EVENTS.
Our brand new 2024 Travel Guide is ready for you to enjoy. It's 48 pages of travel ideas, adventures, and places to rest your head! It's FREE! Go to the link in BIO, under "TRAVEL GUIDE." 

#visitnwillinois @EnjoyIllinois #enjoyillinois #middleofeverything #travelillinois
#Illinoistourism #oglecountyIL #whitesideCountyIL @visitleecountyIL #leecountyIL @visitrockfalls @visitcarrollcounty @exploresavanna #carrollcountyIL @sterlingmainstreet @discoverdixon
𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲! The #ColiseumMuseum in #OregonIL is bursting with fresh talent this March! Meet Stephen Hart & David Van Delinder at the opening reception on March 15, 6 to 8 p.m.  Live Celtic music by Slainte! Don't miss it!
It's a rite of #Spring! Be sure to be part of #SterlingIL's #SipIntoSpring night on Mar 28 for a unique shopping experience! From 5-8 p.m., wander through downtown Sterling, enjoying samples from participating businesses while checking items off your shopping list. Your ticket includes a sampling glass, a tasting guide, & access to an after-party with appetizers & prizes! 

Limited tickets available, so grab yours early at sterlingmainstreet.org/events/sip-shop/
Live music alert! 🎵🎵🎵 On Sat., 3/9, the Dixon VFW hosts the @RosbrookStudio fundraiser. Doors open at 2:30 with music starting at 3. TEN bands (count 'em!) play throughout the day and night. See the lineup in event article located at link in bio under EVENTS.

#VisitNWillinois #enjoyillinois #middleofeverything @enjoyillinois #discoverdixon @discoverdixon @visitleecountyil #leecountyIL #roadtrip #DixonVFW
Another fun entertainment season has begun @WhitePinesLodge! Three matinee shows celebrating #JohnDenver with Ted Vigil--Mar. 11-13. Ticket includes lunch, woohoo! This is a definite winter-blahs blues buster. 

Matinee Shows:
Monday, March 11, 2024
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Matinee Seating Begins: 11:20am

Platinum Seating – $72.00 (comes with a free cocktail)
Gold Seating – $65.00
Silver Seating – $62.00
Price Includes: Buffet, Coffee, Tea, Show, Dessert, Tax & Gratuity

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