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Volo Bog State Natural Area

4.6 (36 reviews)

Volo Bog State Natural Area Parks Photos

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Annette B.

Even though the nature center is closed, the trails are still able to be enjoyed. I had a fabulous 3-mile hike here with my family. One caution--be sure to wear boots or shoes that you are ok with getting really dirty. I'm no stranger to hikes but some parts of the path were super muddy and my shoes really sunk into it. I'm sure the heavy rains we've been having are not helping the matter. Otherwise, this is definitely a really cool spot to enjoy--especially when you're walking over the bog!

50 ft of water at the center
Kathleen H.

I didn't find out until today but the boardwalk is back in full use. The beauty and sounds of this landscape are breathtaking.

Coyote loves squirrel
Kyle H.

About 50 miles from Chicago, Volo Bog State Natural Area is great place to get lost in nature for a few hours. Stop in the visitor center that used to be a barn and silo for a map and a chat. Volo Bog has some of the most passionate volunteers I've ever encountered! The Visitor Center is open W-SUN, 9am-3pm. Guided walking tours are given Sat and Sun, 11am and 1pm. It really is worth it to start there, then do the short 1/4 mile ring around the Volo Bog Interpretive Trail. There you'll walk a wobbly boardwalk and be (this close) to falling in the highly acidic stew that is a bog! In fact, our docent told us a story about the farmer that used to own the land. He was missing about 16 head of cows, and it is believed that they fell or sunk in the bog, never to be found again. Check out a picture of the Bog Man in the upstairs of the nature center to see how truly preserving bogs can be. The Tamarack View Trail is a great 2.8 mile trail that takes about 2 hours if you're moseying. This trail will take you through a savannah, prairies, to the edge of the water of the bog itself, and through a Tamarack forest- young soft deciduous pinetree-looking trees. I guess the Tamarack needles get quite golden in the fall, and are a sight to behold. This trail is also XC skiing friendly in the winter! Also a sight to behold are the waterfowl that migrate here like sandhill cranes, heron, and the like. I also read that coyote, deer, beavers, and other mammals visit the bog area, but we did not see any. I loved my visit here, and can see coming to Volo Bog often!

My adopted plot: the garden of grasses
Jack P.

I have a new acronym to toss around: PGV, or Prairie Garden Volunteer. I've returned to the bog in a new capacity as a volunteer. They recruit volunteer gardeners, who come out at their convenience to maintain a particular plot and to help with occasional seasonal work days. Being a woodsy and nature type, I enjoy this type of thing, and the bog remains a most unusual and attractive nature preserve for plants, animals and birds. (At least until the mosquitoes show up!) I've also learned that the bog, as well as many other surrounding wetlands in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are about to become a larger regional national wetland reserve which will have connecting trails through public and private properties and farmland. So you will be able to bike or hike from one the the other. The bog is pretty much teaming with new life in early summer, and it may be good to get out there before the bugs and hot weather arrive. Again, great place for kids, nice 2.75 perimeter trail to hike, and an attractive picnic area overlooking the bog. And for only $15 you can become a friend of the bog. Maybe with all of my acronyms, I could get a job in healthcare. Or just print an impressive business card. Jack P., PGV, SWM, OCD

Closing time hard to find. Here it is!
Amy W.

I have hiked here many times over thirty years. This is an Illinois treasure and a unique ecosystem. The melting of glacial ice has left a bog. Might we someday become the subject of a great PBS special when our very own bog man is found? Probably not. But come here anyway to enjoy the hiking, the nature watching, and the great outdoors. This is a fantastic birding spot, as well.

Sometime in September of last year...

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10 years ago

Cool place that I recently discovered with my son. We drive up a few times a year to see this unique place and enjoy the serenity.

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14 years ago

no. they have trees and a tiny parking lot..thats about it. i'll drive the extra 8 minutes and go to moraine hills.

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Ask the Community - Volo Bog State Natural Area

Review Highlights - Volo Bog State Natural Area

Check out a picture of the Bog Man in the upstairs of the nature center to see how truly preserving bogs can be.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Volo Bog State Natural Area - parks - Updated May 2026

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