Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
also known as Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
(including Sandy Hollow & Thomas W and Elizabeth Moews Dore Seep)
Putnam County, Illinois
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Latitude/Longitude
Tower & Boat Launch Access: 41.2163204, -89.3212142 Sandy Hollow Access: 41.1985576, -89.3089438 Oak Ridge Trail Access (from Refuge): 41.2383547, -89.3299382 Oak Ridge Trail Access (from bridge in Hennepin): 41.2486336, -89.3470499 |
Main Entrance at
780 East Road Hennepin, IL 61327 |
Official Website
http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hh/
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5putnamthomaswandelizabethmoewsdoreseep.html
http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hh/
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5putnamthomaswandelizabethmoewsdoreseep.html
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Activities:
Trails (hiking; biking only on Marquis Oak Ridge Trail) Water (seasonal paddling, seasonal fishing (boat only)) Winter (snowshoe, cross-country ski) Other (view wildlife, picnic) Season/Hours: dawn to dusk Dog Friendly: yes (leashed) Map(s) On Site and/or Online: Online: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/567070822399a343227dd9c4/t/5eb0520123f39b65de80d8b3/1588613640676/Dixon+Refuge+Trail+System+Map.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/567070822399a343227dd9c4/t/5ac68f7b88251bfbef2d8769/1522962306883/Sandy+Hollow+Habitats+%26+Trails+PDF.pdf On Site: at trailheads and on many trail intersection signs Parking: designated lots only Amenities: benches, picnic tables, viewing tower Restrooms: seasonal port-a-potties Trail Info Websites/Apps: no Cost: free Historical and/or Scientific Significance: iNaturalist location; birding hotspot Terrain/Views/Access: forest, hills, prairie, wetland view & access, lake view & access General Description: 3300+ acre refuge designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance; stop on Miles C. Hauter Interpretive (Vehicular) Trail OPAL’s Observations & Opinions: This out of the way treasure is a beautiful and quiet place for a variety of activities. The trails are wide (mostly flat with some gentle hills), well-kept and marked with great interpretative signs. While a bit of a drive for many, it is certainly worth the trip. Every visit wandering the trails has left us feeling as though we stepped back in time. The beauty of the summer wildflowers was matched only by the expansive views and our winter visits have been equally delightful. In 2025, the town of Hennepin added a pedestrian and bike bridge over Coffee Creek to access the Refuge's Marquis Oak Ridge Trail. The bridge, small parking area and primitive restroom can be found at the end of end of Third Street. |
Tower & Boat Launch Access:
Sandy Hollow Acces:
Marquis Oak Ridge Trail Access (from Refuge):
Marquis Oak Ridge Trail Access (from bridge in Hennepin):
More Information:
http://thecommunityword.com/online/blog/2021/02/24/nature-rambles-an-ancient-song/ https://ebird.org/hotspot/L164819?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/featured-news/2018/4/5/sandy-hollow https://oi.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/back-to-nature-at-hennepin-and-hopper-lakes http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/featured-news/al-pyott https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/hennepin/nature-outdoor-recreation/sue-wes-dixon-waterfowl-refuge-at-hennepin-hopper-lakes/ https://rsis.ramsar.org/fr/ris/2042?language=fr https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/1/21244907/chicago-outdoors-coronavirus-heidecke-illinois-beach-hennepin-hopper-north-point-silver-springs https://ebird.org/hotspot/L164819 https://www.pbs.org/video/s30-e31-dixon-waterfowl-refuge-at-hennepin-and-hopper-lakes-1zh2ya/ https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sue-and-wes-dixon-waterfowl-refuge Managed by:
The Wetlands Initiative 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1015 Chicago, IL 60604 312-922-0777 [email protected] |
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