Description
Prairie covered nearly 60 percent of the state. Big Bluestem, Indian grass and Switchgrass thrive here, as do broad-leafed flowering plants known as forbs. Wildlife sightings are the order of the day at Goose Lake Prairie. Animals living here include deer, coyote, red fox, and cottontail rabbit. In addition to furnishing a look into Illinois' past, the prairie provides important nesting habitat for endangered or threatened species of birds, such as the Upland Sandpiper and Henslow's sparrow.
Recreation:
Prairie covered nearly 60 percent of the state. Big Bluestem, Indian grass and Switchgrass thrive here, as do broad-leafed flowering plants known as forbs. Wildlife sightings are the order of the day at Goose Lake Prairie. Animals living here include deer, coyote, red fox, and cottontail rabbit. In addition to furnishing a look into Illinois' past, the prairie provides important nesting habitat for endangered or threatened species of birds, such as the Upland Sandpiper and Henslow's sparrow
Services & Amenities:
| Within Facility |
- Archery
- BOAT RAMP
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Dock, Boat
- Fishing
- Fishing, Park Lake
- Fishing, Pier
- Grills
- Handicap Access
- Hiking
- Hiking - Moderate
- Hiking Trail
- Horseshoe Pits
- Hunting
- Interpretive Center
- Interpretive Exhibit/Display
- Interpretive Trail
- Interpretive Waysides
|
- Kiosk
- Nature Center
- Parking
- Photography
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Programs, Nature
- Restrooms
- Retail, Store/Gift Shop
- Trails, Moderate Hiking
- Visitor Center
- Water, Drinking
- Wildflower Viewing
- Wildlife Viewing
|
Alerts and Important Information
Shelter Reservations are non-refundable unless the area is closed by the Department, in this circumstance the Site Manager will contact you prior to your reservation date to cancel and issue your refund.
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area has no campground and no concessionaire. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area has two picnic shelters, Jugtown Picnic Shelter and Prairie Grove Picnic Shelter, available for reservations. A responsible adult (18 years of age or older) from the picnic shelter reservation party must register for the party and thereby acknowledge compliance with the rules and regulations of the park for the party.
Park closes at sunset.
No electricity at picnic shelters.
No alcohol.
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
No ground fires.
Maximum number of people is 50 (due to parking availability).
No inflated jungle gyms.
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.36667, -88.30361
41°22'0"N, 88°18'13"W
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area is situated southeast of Morris, IL on Pine Bluff/Lorenzo Road, midway between Highway 47 and I-55. 5010 North Jugtown Road, Morris, IL 60450.
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
5010 N. Jugtown Road
Morris IL 60481
Phone Number:
Project Office:(815) 942-2899
Special Events:
The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.
- The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.
The Cabin Festival is celebrated the first Saturday in June from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. See authenic pioneer crafts done by the Prairie Partners and Friends as they re-enact in authentic dress. Visit the Cragg Cabin history exhibit and prairie life presentations. Park your car in the visitor center parking area. Walk the trail to the Cabin or ride the wagon. Some demonstrators and vendors will have items for sale. The event is to celebrate cabin living and life in the 1830s.
Prairie Day traditionally falls on the third Saturday of September. Prairie Day celebrates the prairie environment. Presentations on the environment and nature play a very important part of the day's activities as well as playing on the special features of the park itself. Various presentations, educational talks, and projects for children are the special offerings of the day. on Jun 02 2012 - Prairie Day traditionally falls on the third Saturday of September. Prairie Day celebrates the prairie environment. Presentations on the environment and nature play a very important part of the day's activities as well as playing on the special features of the park itself. Various presentations, educational talks, and projects for children are the special offerings of the day. on Sep 15 2012
