State Parks Tagged With: Natural Area

Cache River State Natural Area is situated in southernmost Illinois within a floodplain carved long ago by glacial floodwater of the Ohio River. When the Ohio River adopted its present course, it left

The Cedar Glen State Natural Area (SNA) was acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2005, from The Nature Conservancy, and includes the Cedar Glen Nature Preserve (617 acres), Miss

Some 3 million bats emerge in a swirling mass from the Devil’s Sinkhole in search of food on warm nights. Marvel at the amazing spectacle at this state natural area northwest of San Antonio. Bats are

In southwest Texas, far from all cities and most people, lies one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. Clear spring-fed water tumbles past rugged ridges, scenic canyons and brushy banks. It’s not eas

The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations

The Fall Creek Scenic Overlook in southwest Adams County, a unit of Siloam Springs State Park, was originally developed as a rest area that overlooks the Mississippi River valley. Although the area ha

Franklin Creek State Natural Area is located in Lee County, northwest of the village of Franklin Grove and east of Dixon just north of IL Rt. 38. Beautiful Franklin Creek flows throughout the 882-acre

Early settlers to Illinois, in an attempt to describe the unfamiliar terrain they were encountering, referred to it as "a sea of grass with pretty flowers." Today, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Are

On the north side of San Antonio lies a 12,000-acre wil­der­ness that protects the city’s drinking water. You’ll find your own “Recharge Zone” in this vast urban refuge. Government Canyon State Natur

Explore over 5,000 acres of rugged canyons, scenic plateaus and tranquil creek bottoms at this former ranch northwest of San Antonio. Escape from the bustle of modern life to a more relaxed time and p

Imagine the Hill Country of 100 years ago – or see it for yourself at Honey Creek State Natural Area. This protected piece of land harbors plants and animals nurtured by a 1.5-mile spring-fed creek. A

You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. Visit any time to see abundant wild­flowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. We’re just two hours northw

Rising abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, Mount Jefferson is often first viewed at a distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a national natural landmark with a rich

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with its three miles of trail exploring riverside forests, bluffs reaching to the highest point in the area and mountain laure

San Rafael State Natural Area is a unique area with rolling hills, native grasses, and oak and cottonwood trees. This beautiful valley is the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, which flows into Mexic

Permanent exhibits include a large three-dimensional model of the Natural Area with topographical contours, trails, and campsites; an herbarium; a list of recently seen birds; several reptiles (includ

Spitler Woods State Natural Area, a 200-acre site in Mt. Zion in Macon County, is home to one of the largest acreages of old growth woods in central Illinois. Much of the site is dedicated as Spitler

Facilities for the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area are located at adjacent Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The Verde River Valley is wild and beautiful, but also safe to visit despite the general

Fifty-six miles northwest of downtown Chicago lies Volo Bog State Natural Area, home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois. Volo Bog - THE BOG - was dedicated as the 25th Illinois Nature Pre