Braidwood Dunes And Savanna Nature Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Old Smokey City Park K-Mine Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve is a 2,000-acre protected area located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
The preserve contains a unique blend of habitats, including sand prairies, oak savannas, wetlands, and dunes. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered.
One of the main reasons to visit the preserve is to experience the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can hike along trails that wind through different habitats, providing opportunities to see a variety of plants and animals. The preserve also offers educational programs and guided tours for those interested in learning more about the area's ecology and history.
Some specific points of interest to see at the preserve include the sand dunes, which are some of the oldest in Illinois, and the oak savannas, which contain trees that are over 200 years old. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes, and rare orchids, such as the eastern prairie fringed orchid.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once home to a Native American trading post and was later used for farming and mining. The preserve was established in the 1990s to protect the unique ecological features of the area.
The best time of year to visit the preserve is in the spring and summer, when wildflowers are in bloom and bird activity is high. However, the preserve is open year-round and each season offers its own unique experiences.
Overall, Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Illinois and learning about its unique ecology and history.
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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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