“Few places in Illinois offer the potential to see a free-ranging bison herd of this size while exploring some of the 4,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie,” said Bill Kleiman, Nachusa Grasslands director. “Our Fall Festival gives us the opportunity to invite the community to experience this landscape firsthand, learn from the dedicated stewards who help care for it and see how conservation is bringing native plants and wildlife back to the region.”
The festival, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the preserve, which is located three miles northwest of Franklin Grove, at 2075 Lowden Road, just two hours west of Chicago.
The day’s activities include wagon rides through the prairie to look for bison, guided exploration hikes at the Visitor Center and 15 steward-guided tours throughout the preserve that feature scenic photo locations, autumn wildflowers, preserve hideaways, native wildlife, sandstone rock formations and more. Additional attractions include a Discovery Tent and the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education Live Birds of Prey.
“September is one of the most beautiful times to visit Nachusa and take in the prairie as it changes with the season, and every tour is different,” Kleiman said. “Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, from the wildflowers to the bison, there’s always a new discovery waiting out on the grasslands.”
This event will be held rain or shine. Admission is free, but parking is $5. Shuttle service also will be available. Headons Fine Meat food truck will be on site with food and beverages for purchase, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores.
To learn more about the festival, visit: nature.org/events, where you also can link to the most up-to-date event information from Friends of Nachusa Grasslands. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy, visit nature.org/
