Orland Grassland Land And Water Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve in the state of Illinois is a 960-acre natural area that offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and savannas.
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Summary
The reserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones.
One of the main reasons to visit Orland Grassland is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the many trails that wind through the reserve. The trails vary in length and difficulty and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most unique features of Orland Grassland is its wetlands. The reserve has several large wetland areas that are home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Visitors can observe these wetlands from the trails or from observation decks located throughout the reserve.
In addition to its natural beauty, Orland Grassland is also home to several historic sites. The reserve was once part of the Sag Valley, a historic area that played an important role in the development of the region.
The best time to visit Orland Grassland is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the vegetation is at its most vibrant. However, the reserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season.
Overall, Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve is a unique and beautiful natural area that offers visitors the chance to explore a variety of ecosystems and learn about the region's history. Whether you're a hiker, biker, or nature lover, there's something for everyone at Orland Grassland.
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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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