Hike the Bison Trails at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Beginning at the Visitor's Center about 1 mile from the trail head, grab some pamphlets on the flowers and birds you can see while you're out. The visitor service team is nothing but enthusiastic, giving concise and simple directions and offering tips and tricks for spotting the bison, as well as some local stops to check out along the way. 

*Refill that water bottle and utilize the restroom facilities, because there is hardly any tree coverage in this restored prairie landscape. 

Once you're equipped with your guides and maps, you can make your way (driving) to the Iron Bridge Trailhead, where you can park and eat at the shaded picnic tables before hitting the trail. There is also a small booth manned with some of the friendliest staff, who can tell you where the bison were last spotted, offer you some free binocular rentals, and give you your choice of small souvenirs to take with you. 

The beginning of the trail feels like you are entering a portal from your old life to your new, with lush trees and beautiful flowers engulfing you. Once you reach the end of the trees, you are presented with a green oasis of prairie that extends passed what the eye can see. The trails loop fully around the land, which lends to a Create-Your-Own-Adventure hike that can last for a brisk walk or hours of entertainment. 

One of the hidden gems was an accessible WWII-era bunker that provides a much-needed cool-down spot for the hotter hiking days, as well as a brief glimpse of history. There is also an informal path to the top of the bunker, providing a stunning view of the lands surrounding you, and a top-of-the-line post for some bison spotting.

Don't worry if you don't see any bison. The land is so vast that it is comforting to know they have enough room to roam in their own habitat without the prying eyes of the public. And it just means you have to keep coming back, which can never be a bad thing.

Once you've completed your hike, head into Wilmington for an ice cream at Lickety Split, and stop by the giant spaceman on nearby historic Route 66 for a photo op! 

For more information, downloadable maps, and special events, you can visit the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie website.