Emiquon Preserve
(The Nature Conservancy)

Fulton County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
40.356979, -90.085879
40.313462, -90.085918

11304 N Prairie Rd
Lewistown, IL  61542

Official Website
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/emiquon/?tab_q=tab_container-tab_element

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Water** (paddle, fishing by boat only)
    **Note: requires free permit available at Dickson Mounds
Winter (ice skate)
Other (hunt*, view wildlife)
*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  sunrise to sunset
 
Dog Friendly:  no
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1tlPmPRDhWvAEtP3F-7vHV2dNm9g&hl=en&ll=40.34270052690361%2C-90.0789267520529&z=13
On Site: unknown
 
Parking:  parking lots
 
Amenities:  picnic tables available at adjacent Dickson Mounds State Museum    
 
Restrooms: available at adjacent Dickson Mounds State Museum  (when open)
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  no
 
Cost:  free                   
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  designated as  a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (part of the Emiquon Complex); birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:  prairie, open grass space, wetland view & access, lake view & access
 
General Description:  6892-acre nature Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy; abuts Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
and Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  
​

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Emiquon Preserve Hiking Maps for ECD Members (PDF)
Illinois River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Complex Bird Checklist (PDF)

More Information:
https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-04-15/federal-repeal-of-wetland-protections-shines-light-on-emiquon-nature-preserve

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/illinois/stories-in-illinois/things-to-do-emiquon-preserve/

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1277623

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxzts3btU40

​https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2021/01/03/emiquon-preserve-near-havana-attracts-migrating-waterfowl/4073412001/​

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/the-nature-conservancy-emiquon-preserve

​https://video.wtvp.org/show/nature-returns-emiquon/

https://icl.coop/the-emiquon-preserve-is-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/​

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/9/21/20876964/emiquon-preserve-checkin-paddling-the-preserve

https://www.uis.edu/emiquon/about/preserve/

​https://vimeo.com/459904023?fbclid=IwAR2g3iO4eaWEPm5xyjO-EqFnOsUISYegnl9XvNpAn_AttPVj-0evqCsc55M​

https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/fieldstations/irbs/research/emiquon/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-emiquon-preserve-illinois-river-project-met-20150913-story.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnOI89rNa_s

Managed by:
The Nature Conservancy
11304 N Prairie Rd
Lewistown, IL  61542
309-547-2730

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunter fact sheets available on the IL DNR website
(https://huntillinois.org/).
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.
​Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.