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 Preserve in June, 1970.  As the southern-most open water quaking bog in North America to exhibit all stages of bog succession, it was designate a National Natural Landmark in 1974.

A floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounds an open pool of water in the center of the bog.  Currently, the bog itself is unaccessible due to the boardwalk closure.  It will remain closed until funding be can secured for replacement.  The first section into the marsh moat remains open. The other trails (5.5 miles worth) are also open. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your support. 

Volo Bog was purchased in 1958 when local citizens partnered with the newly formed state chapter of The Nature Conservancy and mounted a fundraising campaign.  The land was later deeded to the University of Illinois.  In the late 1960s, local citizens again advocated for Volo Bog to protect the site from proposed development, and encouraged its eventual transfer to the Illinois Department of Conservation (now the Illinois Department of Natural Resources) for management.  

Since its establishment in 1970, more than 1,100 additional acres of land have been purchased to protect and enlarge the State Natural Area, which now includes marshes, prairie restoration areas, woodlands, two other bogs, and scenic trails.

Originally opened in 1980, Volo Bog's Visitor Center is housed in a dairy barn built in the early 1900s.  Renovations began in 1996 to bring the building up to code, make it fully accessible, and accommodate the needs of the fast-increasing population of northeastern Illinois. The center includes a program classroom, the Tamarack Shop, offices and restrooms on the first floor. An elevator, housed in the silo, takes visitors to the second floor exhibits, hands-on discovery area and library.

The Friends of Volo Bog, a 501(c)(3) membership organization, formed in 1983 and has fought to protect the site from additional threats including bisection of the site by a proposed highway.  They continue to this day to advocate for the protection of Volo Bog and support programming and projects at the State Natural Area.

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9 am - 3 pm as staff and volunteers are available (and by luck and chance otherwise).  Phone 815-344-1294 to check daily availability.

A picnic area with tables and an outdoor privy is conveniently located adjacent to the visitor center parking lot. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own grill for cooking or use one of two near the picnic shelter. Ground fires and alcohol are strictly prohibited at Volo Bog State Natural Area.​​​​​​

State Parks Tagged With: Ingleside