Horicon National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Town of Chester

This is why I love road trips. I had no idea about this place but I wanted to go for a hike and I love birds so as I drove soyth to Chicago, I stopped for a hike. It was pretty hot and just around sunset so there were some miserable stretches on the trails when I couldn’t stop to take a photo because mosquitoes would swarm me. Even so, I was just delighted and happy and in awe of the beauty of the prairie and the perseverance of birds. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in wildlife or botany or walking. The boardwalk trail is extraordinary and I would’ve missed it if I hadn’t decided to do the auto tour after my hike. Make sure you...

Views of the Niagara Escarpment. The escarpment is the cliff over which the Niagara River plunges at Niagara Falls, for which it is named; emnants of glacier activity all around. Basking snakes, geese, bird and so many different species of wildlife out here! This auto tour is paved and smooth going through the Horicon National wildlife refuge. Restrooms are located in the parking lot of the main entrance. Also there's a restroom right before the floating bridge halfway around the loop, along with a picnic area. This loop is great for rollerblades walking or even a Sunday cruise. There are trails that run through the marsh for people that...

Two great visitor centers for this beautiful place. One Federal and one State. The State one is fancier though the Federal one give a real dose of "National Park" and feels more wild (there's also a book with old time pictures). But both visitor centers are terrific. Note that years ago, in the fall, corn was spread to attract geese and a million birds would show up. That practice stopped and now migration is more natural. Go see as much as you have time for. And don't miss the auto drive off of SR 49 - it's redone and has walking piers so you get...