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Garden of the GodsThis short but challenging hike through the Shawnee National Forest gives you front-row seats to one of the coolest geological structures in Southern Illinois.
Birding, Illinois State
Explore Birding in Illinois State with grouped stops, trails, and related park places collected under the same planning theme.
Birding Stops and Trip Ideas
Use this Birding guide to compare the stops that belong together in Illinois State, then decide which ones deserve map time or a saved trip stop.
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Point of interest
Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife AreaIllinois largest man-made lake is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts.
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Dixon Waterfowl RefugeThis natural area was recently restored in 2001 after the lakes and floodplains spent several decades completely drained.
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Goose Lake Prairie State Natural AreaThis sprawling 2,537-acre nature preserve is more than just protected grassland prairie.
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Montrose Harbor and the Magic HedgeYou do not have to head far out of the city to see some of Mother Nature is most beautiful, winged creatures.
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Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife AreaThis 1,775-acre plot of land is one of the best places to see uncommon species of birds.
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Point of interest
Pine Hills/LaRue Ecological Area, Shawnee National ForestAlthough this nature reserve is only 3,547-acres in size, it manages to cram 14 different types of ecosystems within its borders, which means you can see a unique species of birds that can not be found anywhere else in the state.
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Matthiessen State ParkLocated a few miles south of Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, in Deer Park, Illinois, is situated on 1,700 acres and was established in 1943.
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Mississippi Palisades State ParkEstablished in 1972 and located in Carroll County, Illinois, just north of the town of Savanna Mississippi Palisades State Park is situated on 2,500 acres highlighted by large, stunning cliffs along the Mississippi River.
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Starved Rock State ParkStarved Rock State Park is the most popular Illinois state park among visitors who come for 18 canyons with towering walls of moss-covered stone within its 2,630 acres.
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Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State ParkIt offers a variety of activities such as bicycling, hiking, swimming, boating, camping, bird watching and picnicking.
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Cypress Creek National Wildlife RefugeThe Emergency Wetland Reserve Act was established to protect, restore, and manage wetlands and bottomland forests.
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Chautauqua National Wildlife RefugeThe Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is one of three refuges managed under the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex.
Point of interest
Crab Orchard National Wildlife RefugeThe Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established to maintain wildlife conservation, agriculture, industry, and recreation.
