Emiquon Nature Preserve

Impressive land management going on here. Thousands of acres of floodplain used for the common good. This late March flood warnings were ubiquitous and I'm glad I had 4wd to explore the levees. I added a pic of an active bald eagle nest. Both adults were at the nest.

Beautiful preserve. There's a nice trail for a short/easy hike, and so many birds. I watched pelicans, snowy egrets, sandpipers, blue (I think) herons, swallows, and more. You hear some highway noise while there, but otherwise it's a great spot to relax with nature.

Excellent birding area. End of August, several species migrating. More pelicans than I've ever seen in one place, 1000+. Several pulloffs for viewing, including a really nice viewing platform.

Always a wonderful time at Emiquon. It is a great place to see water birds and other wildlife. There is always something interesting to see when you walk around the visitor use area. I have seen Eagles, and Hawks as well as pelicans and countless ducks and other swimming birds.

Had a really good time watching all the birds coming and going from the lake.

Located on the west side of the river just passed Havana Illinois. Follow route 97 a few miles north and on the east side of the road you will find public access areas which will enable you to pull off and enjoy watching wildlife. This is also a nice place to sit and watch Eagles in Flight if you're lucky enough the land in a tree near near your location. There's activity here basically all seasons. It's a great place just to sit back and relax and enjoy

Good area to see restoration of flood plain.

Great observation deck and viewing area. Nice spot to look at the water and the birds.

Emiquon is an IL gem, great place to see birds and other wildlife, and a globally important wetland (RAMSAR) to boot, operated by The Nature Conservancy in IL.

This is a beautiful nature preserve with boardwalks over aquatic habitats, boat ramps, and some shelters near the water. I’ve seen turtles chasing each other, diving ducks, and lots of barn swallows in nests. It’s a good place to spend the day and I really feel like I still haven’t fully experienced this place.

Beautiful, wide open area with a lovely short boardwalk, and a couple great lookout locations. Great biodiversity without needing to go out of your way. I could've spent a whole afternoon here, but was only stopping by to stretch my legs on a trip headed west--was great for that too!

Had a great time checking out nature...

During Spring migration so were able to see a nice variety of birds. Beautiful surroundings with walking paths and observation decks. No restrooms but Havana is right up the road as well as Dickson Mounds museum.

Incredible bird watching. Worth the visit from out of state. It is amazing what happens when you revert a drainage and levee district back to (managed) floodplain/ wetland. A major stop for many mid-continent water birds and the most impressive area in the Illinois River Valley.

Was nice to sit and watch nature

Very peaceful and serene.

Very pretty spot to stop and walk. Lots of beautiful birds to see and the path was lined with Sweet Annie. Smelled so good!

Emiquon Preserve is a gem of restored wetlands in the heart of Illinois. Built on the bones of a large farm, two large shallow lakes parallel the Illinois River and provide food and shelter for migrating birds in a critical position along the Mississippi flyway. Platforms are provided along the shore for birders and curious onlookers to watch flocks of birds fly overhead. Fishing and canoeing are common activities as well. Take a camera - you'll need it to remember everything you might see there.

Absolutely amazing place to relax and watch the birds. The scenery changes year round and so does the wildlife.

It's a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors, weather you're an avid bird watcher, Fisherman/woman, or just someone that likes to be in nature.