Volo Bog State Natural Area — Attraction in Illinois

Have known about this spot here since I was just a little one around 5 years old or so, I'm quite familiar with it. It's changed some, yet still looks exactly the same as I remember it over a decade ago. If you don't know the history of it's geology, it's actually pretty neat. Essentially, a prehistoric glacier used to sit where the heart of the bog is now. It created the swampy landscape it is known as today through a long period of melting down into a body of water. There's some informational plaques along the trail for you to read where you can learn more about it in detail if you wanted to check it out for yourself, but here's what I have to share in review;

If you have the time for a bit of an adventure, the main trail is actually just over 3 miles or so circling the marsh. The floating platforms that lead deep through the center of the bog branch off from the main trail, not far from the starting point. It's useful to keep in mind that you won't always be able access every walkway if the water level is higher than usual. You will sometimes have to turn back the way you came to ensure your feet stay dry, unless you're willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and trudge on through a couple inches of water where it's submerged. If you're gonna be visiting the bog for a while, I advise you wear some decent outdoor footwear and put on a generous amount of bug repellent. You probably wouldn't want to wear sporty gym shoes in the thick of it during the humid summer months, and In my experience the bugs aren't that terrible here but you will definitely want to have some kind of protection from them nonetheless.

Overall, if you're looking for a little outdoors time the Volo bog reserve is a great little spot. It's nothing spectacular, but it does feature some serious plant life, a fair bit of scenery, and a surprisingly wide variety of critters you could possibly run into. Always an enjoyable experience so long as you come...

Volo Bog is a unique and fascinating piece of local natural history. The site is lovingly maintained and we are hoping to visit again soon!

During our visit we followed the interpretive trail, which is about half a mile. (There are a few longer trails at the site too.) The interpretive trail passes through the bog's five concentric habitats. Plenty of striking plants (pitcher plants, Indian pipe, tamarack) and a few animals (the biggest frogs I have ever seen, plus a turtle or two) could be seen easily from the trail. The walk was not difficult. It is mostly boardwalk, and although at a few parts the boardwalk is slightly unsteady, it is secure. There are a number of small interpretive plaques along the trail.

The visitor center/interpretive center was closed when we arrived, but the corkboard and brochure holders outside had tons of helpful and clear information. There were trail maps, wildlife guides, and flyers with information about upcoming programming at the bog and nearby parks. A friendly, knowledgeable staff member eventually came by to open the building. She showed us where to find the exhibits and answered our questions about wildlife in the bog.

The upper floor of the visitor center was an open area with informational exhibits lining the walls and taxidermy wildlife displayed on the rafters. The exhibits featured info on bogs as well as local plants and animals. There were plenty of touchable objects and biofacts in drawers that could be opened and closed. We enjoyed the squishy carpeted area that simulated walking on the bog itself.

We visited last Saturday around midday and there was plenty of parking. The single-user bathrooms at the parking area were outhouses, but they were surprisingly well-kept and the smell was minimal. The bathrooms inside the visitor center were clean and even had fun informational posters...

Husband has a severe nerve issue that flares up occasionally and without warning. Because of this, we didn’t get back to the parking lot until 8:18 - he had to keep taking breaks, very painful and distressing when it happens. Sun wasn’t even down and the gate was locked closed, we were threatened with a $195 ticket, and the park official who showed up to let us out showed 0% compassion or understanding whatsoever. In fact, he seemed to be having quite a power trip. Tried to explain what happened but he just talked over me. Appallingly 0% level of respect for a taxpayer, who pays for all of this! Didn’t argue with him whatsoever but won’t be coming back. Every single other reserve in the area has a much more lenient closing time policy- usually a vague designation like sundown. ( the posted closing time was 8:00, but we have gotten back to the parking lot later than the posted time other times here with no issue before). I’m sure the officials here think they have a good reason for their policy. But, won’t be seeing us again! Won’t have to worry about your stressful “DONT GET LOCKED IN!” signs you have posted all over the place that I’ve never seen anywhere else. You'd think power trips and beautiful nature preserves wouldn’t go together!...