Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is a 434-acre protected area located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
The preserve is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 150 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
One of the main reasons to visit Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is for birdwatching. The preserve is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts, with species such as sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and bald eagles often spotted in the area. Hiking and photography are also popular activities in the preserve.
Some specific points of interest in the preserve include the boardwalk trail, which takes visitors through a marshy area where they can view a variety of wildlife, and the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is one of the largest and best-preserved wetlands in Northeastern Illinois, and that it was originally a glacial lake that formed over 10,000 years ago.
The best time of year to visit Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is in the spring and fall, when bird migration is at its peak and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers unique experiences in all seasons.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Beaver Lake Nature Preserve
Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve
Iroquois County State Wildlife Area Land And Water Reserve