Merwin Nature Preserve

McLean County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
Multiple Access & Parking Areas:
North Access/Parking:  40.6690925, -88.8887067
West Access/Parking:  ​40.6661607, -88.8990820
Canoe Launch:  40.6631881, -88.8993151
South Access/Parking:  40.6523419, -88.8845666

Varies by Access:
County Rd 2650 N (Cty Hwy 6)
N 1925 East Rd
PJ Keller Hwy
​Lexington, IL  61753

Official Website:
https://www.parklandsfoundation.org/our-preserves/merwin-preserve/

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Water (paddle)
Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski)
Other (view wildlife)

Season/Hours:  seasonal, dawn to dusk
 
Dog Friendly:  no
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  
https://i2.wp.com/parklandsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Merwin-Trail-Map-1-1.png
https://www.parklandsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Guide-to-Merwin-Preserve-2017-small-1.pdf
On Site:  unknown
 
Parking: small parking areas
 
Amenities:  benches
 
Restrooms:  unknown
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps: 
All Trails
​Hiking Project

Cost:  free admission                 
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access: forest, hills, prairie, river view & access
 
General Description:  713-acre forested preserve bisected by Mackinaw River; 2 miles from Lake Bloomington, 1.5 miles from Sweeney Woods Preserve
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions: 

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Merwin Nature Preserve Trail Map (PDF)
Guide to Nature Trail & Merwin Trails (PDF)

More Information

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L328859?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/INPC/Pages/Area5McLeanMerwinSavanna.aspx

https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/education/photos-merwin-preserve-is-a-walk-on-the-wild-side/collection_453cca7e-994d-54bb-b372-e20a8cbc57fd.html#4

Managed by:
Parklands Foundation
202 W College Ave
Normal, IL 61761
309-454-3169 (x16)
info@parklandsfoundation.org