Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve is a 225-acre nature preserve located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

It is home to unique plant and animal species that thrive in the fen habitat, which is a rare type of wetland.

There are several good reasons to visit Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve. For nature lovers, the preserve provides an opportunity to observe and learn about rare plants and animals, such as the Blanding's turtle, swamp metalmark butterfly, and eastern massasauga rattlesnake. There are also several trails that offer scenic views of the fen habitat, prairie, and woodlands. Additionally, the preserve offers educational programs and events throughout the year.

Some specific points of interest to see at Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve include the fen boardwalk, which provides a unique view of the fen habitat, and the Blanding's turtle nesting area. There are also several birdwatching opportunities, particularly during the spring and fall migration seasons.

Interesting facts about Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve include that it is one of the few remaining fens in the Midwest and that it was formed over 10,000 years ago by glacial meltwater. The preserve also has a rich history and was once used for farming and gravel mining.

The best time of year to visit Lake In The Hills Fen Nature Preserve is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and many species are active. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers unique experiences during each season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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