Attractions Family Fun & Amusement

Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center

Thomson, IL - Carroll County
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Hours:

  • Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | May thru September

Details

The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center promotes environmental education and the conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Conveniently located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the facility has interesting, hands-on exhibits and a dramatic view of the world’s most majestic and celebrated river.

The Center sits on 35 acres of sand prairie that is home to the ornate box turtle, prickly pear cactus, and a diversity of other plants and animals. Visitors can walk or bike the Grand Illinois Trail/Great River Bike Trail, traversing the prairie and Spring Lake. There are many opportunities for photographers to get that special picture of a bald eagle, sandhill crane, trumpeter swan, or the prickly pear cactus. No matter your interest, there is something for you to see and do. The Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge operate a bookstore that is filled with an excellent selection of children’s books, field guides, and unique gifts.

Hours

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on federal holidays. From May through September, Saturdays are added, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In memory of Gary and David Ingersoll

The Center is dedicated to the memory of Gary and David Ingersoll, young residents of Savanna who were stricken with muscular dystrophy. Although confined to wheelchairs most of their young lives, the two overcame day-to-day challenges and attended college, where they demonstrated their mutual interest in natural resource conservation. Tragically, both young men died of the disease before the age of 22. The center was named in their honor, and its mission is to promote their ideals of environmental education and conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

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