Nature Preserve Kankakee River
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Kankakee River Nature Preserve is located in northern Illinois and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
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Summary
The preserve is home to over 4,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.
A visit to the Kankakee River Nature Preserve is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing, birdwatching, and canoeing or kayaking along the river.
One of the main points of interest at the preserve is the Kankakee River itself. The river is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species including bass, catfish, and pike.
In addition to the river, the preserve is also home to a variety of other natural attractions. The prairies are particularly beautiful in the spring and summer when wildflowers are in bloom, while the wetlands are home to a variety of bird species including herons, egrets, and waterfowl.
Visitors to the Kankakee River Nature Preserve can also learn about the area's history and conservation efforts at the Kankakee River State Park Visitor Center.
The best time to visit the Kankakee River Nature Preserve is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be prone to flooding, especially during the spring and summer months. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and river levels before planning a visit.
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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
Kankakee River State Park
Marcotte Park
Goselin Park
Limestone Township Park
Slater Park