Prairie Slough Natural Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Prairie Slough Natural Area is a 1,350-acre protected land located in Illinois, along the Illinois River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area is known for its diverse range of habitats, which include wetlands, prairies, and forests, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
There are many reasons to visit Prairie Slough Natural Area, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons. Hiking trails provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area, and fishing is available in the Illinois River.
Some of the notable points of interest include the wetland boardwalk, which offers views of the lake and surrounding marsh, and the Riverfront Trail, a paved path that winds through the forested area along the Illinois River. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, and river otters.
Interesting facts about Prairie Slough Natural Area include that it was acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2005, and that it is one of the largest remaining wetland complexes in the state. The area is also home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the Hine's Emerald dragonfly and the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
The best time of year to visit Prairie Slough Natural Area is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and migratory birds are passing through the area. However, the area is open year-round and offers unique opportunities to experience the changing seasons.
Weather Forecast
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
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
B.K. Leach Memorial Conservation Area
Great River National Wildlife Refuge