Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Wilmington, Illinois
Distance from Chicago: 50.6 miles; 1-hour drive
Hike distance: 3.5 miles
This nationally protected tallgrass prairie area (pronounced "mi-DAY-win")—which became the country’s first designated National Tallgrass Prairie in 1996 and remains under the watchful eye of the U.S. Forest Service—is an ever-popular spot for biking, hiking, and bison-watching. In 2015, bison were reintroduced to the prairie, so many visit to see the herd grazing in their restored natural habitat alongside a menagerie of wildflowers, insects, and birds. The grassland offers 22 miles of multi-use trails shared by hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, plus another 12 for hikers only (and the flat terrain makes it especially appealing to beginners). Follow the breezy 3.5-mile Group 63 loop through the serene expanses of the prairie for a chance to see the bison roaming up close (pro tip: bring binoculars) and even scope out retired army bunkers used to store ammunition during WWII.