At 3,410 acres in size, Glacial Park features a diverse array of prairie, wetlands, savannas and delta kames. Here land restoration has been vital for making Glacial Park a cohesive natural community. The effects of land restoration on the wildlife and plant communities are evident at Glacial Park. Four hundred acres of state-designated nature preserve exist within its central core, providing habitat for over 41 species of state endangered and threatened plants and animals, like Northern Harriers, Blanding’s turtles and Forster’s tern. Savannas provide a beautiful backdrop of oaks and hickory trees interlaced with seasonal wildflowers like shooting stars, columbine, may apples and prairie smoke. The wide open space of this Park provides a refuge to numerous plants and animal communities. It is the most popular site, visited annually by more than 64,000 guests who hike or horseback along 8 miles long track; fish the shoreline of Nipper sink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail that skirts the eastern boundary of the park. It is a place where wildlife viewing is plentiful, many spend time birding, picnicking or paddling the glistening waters of Nipper sink Creek.
Activities:
Picnicking: Gather your picnic and have lunch at the outdoor stone amphitheater, Kettle lot picnic area, or reserve the Harts Road Shelter for your group gathering. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch at the Kettle parking lot, Keystone Landing or Harts Road Shelter. The Glacial Park is also rich in natural and cultural history; one must take a stop at the historic Powers-Walker home during a special event or open house and get a glimpse of life in the late 1800s. As soon as the temperatures dip below freezing, outdoor adventures continue as visitors explore nine miles of snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails and a good old fashioned do-it-yourself-have fun sled hill.
Fishing: Nipper sink Creek habitats variety of fishes in its water including bass, bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, carp, bullhead, green sunfish and many others. Visitors can fish at Keystone Road Landing or Pioneer Road Landing.
Trails: Glacial Park Loop Trail is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Richmond, Illinois that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. About 8 miles long tracks have been designated for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Prairie Trail of 26 miles also runs north/south along the park’s eastern boundary. A day’s adventure includes a trip to the Lost Valley Visitor Center for a peek at changing exhibits.
Activities
BackpackAmenities
Child FriendlyLive Weather
NOW: 6.19°CThe article does not reflects the AWAYN's official views, and should NOT taken as editorial work
SEE ALL ARTICLES