Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Midewin Summer Programs
Make memories at Midewin NTP this summer from June through August 2024!
Welcome to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is the largest island in the archipelago of protected areas that collectively comprise the Chicago Wilderness. It includes full array of species and natural processes typical of tallgrass prairies in the region, including the reintroduction of bison.
Turning back the clock from a landscape dominated by rusting munitions factories and abandoned ammunitions bunkers into a 20,283 acre pristine tallgrass prairie makes the Midewin a compelling vision for landscape scale restoration.
In this video from the National Forest Foundation, Bill Kurtis explains how the surprisingly long roots of prairie plants help the environment.
Visit the Prairie
Know Before You Go
Look for Bison
Features
Visitor Guide: What to Know Before You Go
![Down a gravel trail, a lone coyote howls into the air.](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1011449_tn.jpg)
There is some information that is vital to know before visiting a National Forest or Grassland. Check in here first when planning your visit and receive the latest information you need to know before visiting Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Preserving Prairie Farm History
![A family gathers around their patriarchs, who each hold Midewin 25th Anniversary poster copies](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd953161_tn.jpg)
Keeping the prairie past alive with first-hand family stories, heirloom recipes - four generations share stories of growing up on the "Fairview Farm" in the 1930s. Find out more about the history of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the land through its many past uses.
Spotlights
Brushwood Center's At Ease Nature Platoon at Midewin NTP
![Spotlight: 2023 At Ease Planner](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd836214_tn.jpg)
An innovative approach to empowering the well-being of U.S. Military Veterans and their families through the great outdoors.
Seasonal Safety
![Two bow hunters stand beside a fall lake.](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd954759_tn.jpg)
Check-in here first when planning your visit.
Work for Nature!
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Check the Midewin NTP Employment page for current outreach notices, job postings and more.
50 Years of Learning with Woodsy Owl! 2022 Caring for The Land Webinar Series
![Ellen Starr in Princeton IL Pollinator Garden](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd923272_tn.jpg)
Celebrate by being part of the 2022 "Lend A Hand, Care for The Land" Panel Discussions! See photos from the “Woodsy Owl & Friends” Photo Challenge.