Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was established in 1996, making it the first national tallgrass prairie and the closest federally protected outdoors area to Chicago. It is less than 50 miles from Chicago down Interstate 55.

And yet, despite this, many Chicagoans have not heard about it.

Illinois used to be covered in tallgrass prairie. This is why it is called the “Prairie State.” In 1870 there were 22 million acres of prairie land. By 1978, only 2,300 acres of true prairie remained. This is less than 1%. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is trying to restore and preserve over 20,000 acres of land, so people can enjoy and see what Illinois used to look like over 100 years ago.

There are an astounding 34 miles of trails in Midewin. 12 miles are hiking only and the rest are multi-use. You will rarely see other hikers at Midewin, especially once you hike a few miles away from the trailhead.

Start at the Iron Bridge Trailhead a few miles north of the Visitor’s Center on Highway 53. The Group 63 Loop is the first trail one comes across, and it is a nice loop with interesting views of the former ammunition plant bunkers. Hikers are allowed to walk cross-country at certain places. This is much easier to do in the spring when the grass is short.

Here are five reasons why you should go for a hike on the prairie this summer…

The attitude of the public toward the bison has been very positive. “We were pleasantly surprised to see the presence of ‘Bison Fans’ – individuals who returned for multiple, often consecutive, visits this past fall” says Wendy Tresouthick, Environmental Education/Interpretation Specialist at Midewin. Visitors had smiles on their faces and positive words to share.

Hiking is not the only way to travel on the prairie. Bring your bicycle or even your horse. The U.S. Forest Service encourages you to take advantage of the multi-use trail system identified on the Trail Map for Midewin.

“A public event is being planned in May of 2016, after some of the bison calves have been born” said Wade Spang, Prairie Supervisor.

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In fall of 2015, the Prairie State – Illinois – will get a new herd of bison. Part of a broader restoration effort at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that aims to return this special place to its original tallgrass prairie ecosystem, the bison reintroduction opens an exciting new chapter for Midewin and the country.

The webcam will feature the new bison herd as they roam near the corral and watering hole. A Crowdrise campaign will provide funding for the camera, installation and continued maintenance of the system.

The camera will be installed prior to the bison’s arrival and will be live by November 2015. Wildlife fans from across the world can watch the bison via the National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service and EarthCam.

Just an hour from Chicago, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie once housed part of the former Joliet Ammunition Plant. Today, it’s a large-scale work-in-progress as the Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation, and our many partners work to restore a native prairie ecosystem. The bison reintroduction project offers an opportunity to study how bison can aid in the restoration of tallgrass prairie and prairie bird habitat, and provides a unique opportunity for viewing these majestic creatures.

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Officials plan to introduce a mix of young and mature bison at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where the U.S. Forest Service and other groups have been trying to restore grassland at a site that was used as a U.S. Army ammunition plant for many years. The 1,200-acre area could eventually be home to about 100 bison.

Bison are an important part of prairie ecosystems, and they will help restore the site’s native grass species, the Forest Service says. That will improve the habitat for native grassland birds.

The first animals should arrive in the fall, said Greg Peters, a spokesman for the National Forest Foundation.

“We saw an opportunity to return an iconic species back to the native tallgrass prairie where they had existed before,” Peters said.

Over the summer, workers will construct pasture fences, corrals, hiking trails, overlooks and other facilities for visitors.

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