Category Archives: Places to Go

This isn’t a big park, but I enjoy going here regularly — it doesn’t seem at all like Illinois. Birds are one draw, but I also like the lack of crowds and the scenery along Franklin Creek as it winds … Continue reading →

This large piece of prairie is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Unlike almost every other birding spot I know about, here you’re encouraged NOT to stay on the trails. In fact, except for a short semi-mowed path that goes about … Continue reading →

I crossed the Rock River in Oregon and drove back north a mile or so to Lowden State Park where the giant Indian statue is located. There isn’t a lot to the park other than the Indian, but I managed … Continue reading →

I left home around 6:30 this morning in search of adventure. I headed west and soon found myself on Illinois Route 2, heading south from Rockford. This is a stretch of road where there’s enough to see to make it … Continue reading →

I’ve been here many times — it’s one of my favorite birding spots. I stopped on the way home from Dog n Suds to do some walking and birding. Several thunderstorms were sliding through the area, so I didn’t stay … Continue reading →