Top rated Nature preserves in Illinois

Experience the best that Illinois has to offer with our curated list of top-rated places. Sorted by average review scores from venues boasting over 30 reviews, these establishments promise exceptional quality and experiences to elevate your visit in the city. This list contains 459 places from Nature preserve category.

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Four Rivers Environmental Education Center image
1
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
Nature preserve
👍👍 This time of year, October, is a great time to go and observe the birds who are migrating through on their way to the South. The confluence of the two rivers makes it a wonderful resting and feeding area. This area is so well-maintained and it was a beautiful day! We saw beautiful white swans and a...
4.90 (197 reviews)
Ballard Nature Center image
2
Ballard Nature Center
Nature preserve
👍👍 Stopped in while out exploring the area and was totally blown away. Trails were in excellent condition, lots of signage, varied habitat areas, and birdhouses everywhere. Plus, was able to get a nice relaxing walk in
4.90 (135 reviews)
Friends Creek Conservation Area image
3
Friends Creek Conservation Area
Nature preserve
4.90 (126 reviews)
Trailside Museum of Natural History image
4
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Museum
Victorian mansion, gardens & trails featuring native animals, educational exhibits & guided hikes.
4.90 (110 reviews)
Glenview Woods image
5
Glenview Woods
Nature preserve
👍👍 My favorite forest walking experience. Easy and short trail loops mostly in an hour long. Four seasons give distinctive scenic views and wildlife. Highly recommended for families. Closed between sunset and sunrise.
4.90 (85 reviews)
Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve image
6
Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve
Nature preserve
👍👍 I went birding here and was no disappointed. The trail system is nicely maintained and the land is beautiful. I was able to see a large variety of birds including a pair of bald eagles. I did a total of 5 miles there and didn't even get to see it all. I will absolutely be going back.
4.90 (61 reviews)
Macon County Conservation District image
7
Macon County Conservation District
Conservation department
4.90 (41 reviews)
Kennicott's Grove Nature Preserve image
8
Kennicott's Grove Nature Preserve
Park
👍👍 I love this place so much! It’s very beautiful and romantic!
4.90 (40 reviews)
Spring Bluff Forest Preserve image
9
Spring Bluff Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
👍👍 Fantastic nature preserve and a great place for bird watching. New observation platform provides an intimate place to view nature from a raised platform.
4.90 (31 reviews)
Independence Grove Forest Preserve image
10
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Large park with a 115-acre lake, trails, visitor center with exhibits, amphitheater, marina & cafe.
4.80 (3.1K reviews)
Swallow Cliff Stairs image
11
Swallow Cliff Stairs
Park
2 flights of stairs with almost 300 steps in total, forming a loop & popular for cardio workouts.
4.80 (2.5K reviews)
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley image
12
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley
Nature preserve
Trails wind through this picturesque natural area with a 19th-century farm & docents in costume.
4.80 (1.2K reviews)
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve image
13
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Shoreline forest preserve with rolling terrain & trails for hiking, biking & cross-country skiing.
4.80 (1K reviews)
The Grove image
14
The Grove
Nature preserve
Protected prairie grove at the former home of famed horticulturist & educator, Dr. John Kennicott.
4.80 (1K reviews)
Forest Park Nature Center image
15
Forest Park Nature Center
Nature preserve
Over 500 acres of nature preserve featuring trails, a natural history museum & a bird observatory.
4.80 (1K reviews)
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center image
16
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Park
👍👍 It was a lovely evening! We stop by the natural preserve center with the children and had so much fun. It’s perfect for any age. At the end the place manager had above talk about the importance of conserving and maintaining the green , preserving natural places for the animals to live. 👌😍
4.80 (946 reviews)
Willoughby Heritage Farm image
17
Willoughby Heritage Farm
Farm
👍👍 This is a gemstone in Collinsville, Illinois. So much history, hiking, picnicking, gardens, interactive animals in residence, and more. Every time we visit there is something new, or refined ( beautified), etc. Handicapped accessibility is great. Families will love it. Weddings, reunions, da...
4.80 (834 reviews)
St. James Farm Forest Preserve image
18
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Hikers, bikers & horseback riders can explore a protected area of woodlands, prairies & wetlands.
4.80 (822 reviews)
Glacial Park Conservation Area image
19
Glacial Park Conservation Area
Nature preserve
A park set on 3,400 acres of wetlands, prairie & glacial kames, with trails, canoeing & fishing.
4.80 (811 reviews)
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve image
20
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Preserve with 4 mi. of trails through forest, fields & wetlands, plus picnic areas & a playground.
4.80 (698 reviews)
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