Summary
It is recognized as one of the last remaining examples of an old-growth forest in the Midwestern United States. The preserve is located on the banks of the Wabash River, and it covers 329 acres of mostly forested land.
There are several reasons to visit Beall Woods Nature Preserve, including its historical significance, educational opportunities, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the many trails that wind through the forest and learn about the plants and animals that call the preserve home. The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.
Some of the points of interest to see at Beall Woods Nature Preserve include the Beall Cemetery, which is the final resting place of the original owner of the land, and the Beall Family Home Site, which provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived on the property.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once used for farming and logging, but was eventually donated to the state by a local family who wanted to preserve its natural beauty. The forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several that are considered rare or endangered.
The best time of year to visit Beall Woods Nature Preserve is in the spring, when the forest floor is covered in wildflowers and migratory birds are making their way through the area. However, the preserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its beauty in any season.
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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.
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