GPS Coordinates:
N 40.75701; W 89.57480
Site Access:
Free
Handicap Accessible
Parking
Amenities: Information; Restrooms; Hiking; Viewing Platform; Water Fountain; Visitors Center
Directions:
From the intersection of I 74 and Exit 91/University Street in Peoria, go east on I 74 for 1.5 miles to the Glendale Ave. exit. Go 0.2 miles on Glendale Ave. to Hamilton Blvd. and turn right. Continue 0.1 miles and turn right onto Knoxville Ave. Continue under overpass, veering right and traveling through the hospital drive, which turns into Glen Oak Ave. Keep left on Prospect for 3.4 miles through the intersection with US 150 and the business district of Peoria Heights. Turn east (right) at the stop sign onto N. Forest Park Drive. Follow 0.6 miles to the entrance on the left.
Description:
This rugged 540-acre park was acquired in the mid-1950s and later designated as a state nature preserve. The nature center's 7+ miles of hiking trails traverse bluff forestland, an open woodland interspersed with hill prairie openings holding uncommon prairie plant species such as bottlebrush grass, pussytoes and golden Alexander. Chipmunks, squirrels and White-tailed Deer are common inhabitants. Over 100 woodland bird species commonly use the park as migrants, winter visitors or year-round residents. The nature center's bird feeding/watering station is always busy with chickadees, titmice, Whitebreasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker, as well as warblers, vireos and other neotropical species, particularly during migrations. Please contact the nature center for a schedule of its tours and environmental education programs.
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©2005 Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - Privacy
Statement
456 Fulton Street, Suite 300, Peoria, IL 61602 - 1 (800) 747-0302
www.peoria.org/goto/nature |
