All Nature Waypoints

Fort Crevecoeur Park commemorates French explorer Robert Rene Cavalier de LaSalle’s presence here on the east bank of the Illinois River in 1680. The fort was built to protect the Illini Indians from the aggressive Iroquois Nation. The 86.6-acre park was deeded to the village of Creve Coeur in 1976 and leased to the non-profit organization, Fort Crevecoeur, Inc. The Read more...

Seven miles of hiking trails traverse bluff forestland and a restored prairie through this designated state nature preserve. Over 100 woodland bird species use the park as migrants, winter visitors or year-round inhabitants. Hikers often encounter the resident Wild Turkeys or hear Barred Owls calling in the distance. The nature centers bird feeding/watering station with a viewing window is always Read more...

Emiquon Refuge was established in 1993 to restore and protect wetland habitats at the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon rivers and help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties and conventions. The first tract was purchased on December 29, 1993. The refuge has since grown to approximately 2,600 acres. In 2012, the refuge was designated as a Read more...