Outdoors & Recreation State Parks, Preserves, & Forests

Nachusa Grasslands

Franklin Grove, IL - Lee County

Details

Illinois’ first conservation bison herd

In the fall of 2014, 30 bison were relocated to the Nachusa Grasslands, where they safely roam thousands of fenced-in acres. This is Illinois’ first conservation herd – not raised on a ranch for meat, but for the purpose of restoring a piece of the North American plains. The bison will be kept as wild as possible and virtually unmanaged by humans except for one day a year when they are corralled for minimal veterinary care.  

The remainder of the 3,000-acre Nachusa Grassland is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and other activities that do not harm the natural landscape. The area is a mosaic of community types that includes dry gravel hill prairie, black oak and bur oak savanna, calcareous fen, and seeps and sedge meadows.

Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.

Information for visiting the Nachusa Grasslands:

• The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.
• Bison can be viewed from the public roadsides only. The bison roam across 1,500 acres of rolling land and are often not visible from the road. Binoculars are helpful. No hiking is permitted inside the fenced bison unit.
• An information kiosk is located at the visitor entrance on Lowden Road.
• You can hike on or off the trails from dawn to dusk.
• Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.
• Bring a bottle of water.
• A Port-a-John is located by the visitor entrance.

You know it's spring when the season starts at the 🚜 #JohnDeereHistoricSite in #GrandDetourIL. April 2 marks opening day! 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 for a whole lotta good stuff throughout the year.
On Apr. 3-4, The WhitePinesLodge (@whitepines_resort) presents Dave Karl & Wendy T as they bring the iconic Kenny & Dolly "Real Love" tour back to life, with all the hits & onstage magic you remember.  Plus, enjoy a delicious buffet, dessert, and coffee/tea included in your ticket! 🎵🎵🎵

Info at link in bio, under EVENTS!
"𝘼 𝘽𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙮" promises to be a truly magical evening filled with spoken word & music  performances. Don't miss your chance to experience this unforgettable showcase of talent at the CMAAA in #OregonIL on March 29. Go to our EVENTS calendar for details at bio link.

#VisitNWillinois #middleofeverything #CMAAA #FlowPoetry #LiveMusic #OregonIL #Poetry #oglecountyil #oglecountyillinois @enjoyillinois #enjoyillinois
Two music legends, Tom "Bones" Malone and Blue Lou Marini, will join Dixon Municipal Band for a one-night FREE spring concert at @DixonTheatre on March 23 only!  #Music #BluesBrothers #SNL #FreeFun
.
Tom Malone, a trombonist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer, is among the most experienced professionals in the business. Tom is best known for his work with The Blues Brothers, The David Letterman Show, and Saturday Night Live.

Lou Marini’s seven-year association as an original SNL band member led to his role as “Blue Lou” in John Belushi and Dan Akroyd’s cult classic movie, “The Blues Brothers.”
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗖𝗨𝗦 🎪 (@cirque_luzdalia to be exact) is coming to the new @DixonParkDistrict facility on April 2-3, two shows each day featuring magicians, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and NO animals! Ticket link in the event listing at link in our bio, under EVENTS.
Back by popular demand, Dancing Queen: An #ABBA Salute, Mar. 21-22. You get LUNCH & a SHOW at @WhitePines_Resort!  Call 815-655-2400 for reservations.

Matinee Shows:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024
Matinee Seating Begins: 11:20 am

Tickets:
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 and Gratuity
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.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Request a free copy or view our latest guide online.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ideas and resources to help plan your next real getaway in NW Illinois.