State Parks and National Parks

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

See the Illinois prairie as it appeared 150 years ago at the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area.

This 2,500-acre tract was used for grazing earlier in the century, but today big bluestem, Indian grass and switchgrass dominate this true prairie ecosystem.

Before settlers arrived, 60 percent of Illinois was covered by prairie.

This park is also an excellent birdwatching area, with all types of wrens, hawks and songbirds in residence. This is one of the few places in the region where one can spot the rare henslow sparrow.

There are seven miles of trails, with 1.5 miles of trail accessible to wheelchairs.

There is also a replica of an 1830s log cabin at the park. The cabin was called "The Palace" in its day because it was the only log cabin with an upstairs.

The visitor center is closed weekends during December, January and February.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.