Nachusa Grasslands - Visitor Center — Attraction in Nachusa Township

A simple walking trail and visitors pavilion greets you when you pull into Nachusa. We were the only people there on a Friday, mid-April, in the late afternoon. We walked the half mile trail from the parking lot along the fence and did not see any Bison until we came to the crest of the hill near the visitor pavilion. We then made our way back down to an area (still on trail) closer to the one Bison grazing on the early season grasses that were just beginning to sprout. The posted photos are zoomed in. The Bison was about 50’ from the fence, and I was about 5-10’...

I like to explore the Nature Conservancy's visitor centers whenever I bump into one. They are so well done with a shelter that sits lightly on the land yet sturdy enough to shelter people in as rainstorm. They are open works of art and education both, with displays that students of all ages can learn from. The metalwork art is fabulous, inviting everyone to run their hands across the textured surfaces: You can absorb the message they have to impart on both a visual and tangible level, which makes the memory so much...

Peaceful place to view wildflowers and possibly spot a herd of buffalo. It's not meant to be a "fun" spot to bring the family. Not a picnic spot, no bbqs, no playground. It's a prairie restoration project that the owners invite us to view and appreciate and I and many others do. If you understand what it is, you'll probably like it. If you're expecting Disneyland or a picnic area, you'll be disappointed. Nature photographers (especially botany enthusiasts) will be glad...