Iron Bridge Trailhead
Adjacent to the Iron Bridge Trailhead is Midewin’s second largest restoration prairie. This Trailhead currently provides the only connection between the East and West side trails via the Henslow Trail.
Pollinator gardens are located between the parking lot and the trailhead. After exiting your vehicle you can take a short pathway through the pollinator garden before arriving at the information kiosk at the trailhead. About 50 feet from the trailhead the main trail splits to the left and there is a sign that says "To the Campfire Ring," the trail leads about 100 yards and ends at the Campfire Ring.
Near the trailhead, there is a heritage farm area where the Rodgers and Shumacher families farmed. The Rodgers farmstead was located just north of the main entrance to the trailhead, and Rodgers farm was located along the north edge of the path leading to the fire ring.
General Information
Address: 30239 S. State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: 815-423-6370
Hours: Mon - Sat, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Trails: year-round, Mon - Sun, 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Midewin Welcome Center
- Turn right/north onto Route 53
- Travel north on Route 53 for 2.4 miles.
- Turn right/east onto the gravel road to the parking area and trailhead
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Biking
Hiking
Horse Riding and Camping
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Outdoor Science and Learning
Picnicking
Winter Sports
Biking - Road Cycling Info
Group 63 Trail: The Group 63 Interim Trial is a 3.6 mile dirt road that loops around the former ammunition bunkers. Many of the bunkers are sealed and not open to visitors, however Bunker Group 63-1 is open.
Henslow Trail: The Henslow Trail crosses the Iron Bridge over SR 53/Historic Route 66 onto Midewin's west side.
Restriction must be followed and cyclist must remain in open areas only. No bikes are allowed on the Hedgeapple trail or the Turtle Pond loop.
Day Hikes Info
Group 63 Interim Trail: The Group 63 Interim Trial is a 3.6 mile dirt road that loops around the former ammunition bunkers. Many of the bunkers are sealed and not open to visitors, however Bunker Group 63-1 is open.
Route 53 Trail: This is a crushed limestone trail that runs parallel between Route 53 and the bison pasture. From the Iron Bridge Trailhead visitors can walk 1.5 miles (.75 miles from the intersection of this trail with Henslow Trail) to an overlook with two scopes and concrete benches.
Horseback Riding Info
The Iron Bridge Trailhead provides the only designated parking area in which equestrian trailers are permitted. Riders can access the West Side Trail, which is currently the only trail on Midewin's west side that is open to equestrian use. Equestrian users are permitted to use all trails on Midewin's east side, excluding the Hedgeapple and Turtle Pond trails.
Hunting Info
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Turkey hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the Iron Bridge Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed. Hunters may use a bicycle to access their desired hunting locations.
Big Game Hunting
Whitetail archery and shotgun hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the Iron Bridge Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed. Hunters may use a bicycle to access their desired hunting locations.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Iron Bridge Trailhead provides feeding and reproduction grounds for a variety of pollinators. Small mammals and rodents, such as the thirteen-lined ground squirrel and meadow vole, then feed on the pollinators.
Iron Bridge Trailhead is the main access point to the bison area, a self-guided trail leads visitors to the bison pasture fenceline, where you might see bison grazing.
The public are welcome to view the bison. However, due to the vast size of the pasture system and rolling topography, spotting bison depends on where they choose to spend their time. Visitors may, or may not, see the animals on any given day because of the herd's location.
Binoculars are recommended.
Be aware that depending on your route, you may have to hike, bike or ride your horse 1 - 2 miles to see the bison.
For more information about the Bison, and a link to our live viewing camera, visit the Bison Project Area of the website.
Viewing Plants Info
The Iron Bridge Trailhead has a butterfly garden that provides native flowering plants, such as milkweed and blazing star, to butterflies for feeding and reproduction.
Viewing Scenery Info
The butterfly garden leading up to the Iron Bridge Trailhead allows a close view of nature at work. You can watch the butterflies and other insects pollinate while helping the plant to reproduce. This trailhead allows access to both East and West sides of Midewin, allowing for a view of large grassland areas, bunker fields, and small wooded areas.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
The Iron Bridge Trailhead provides various areas of interpretation. There are two interpretive display signs overlooking the Iron Bridge Prairie restoration project. There are also two historic farmsteads at this site as well as pollinator gardens.
Group 63 Interim Trail: The Group 63 Interim Trial is a 3.6 mile dirt road that loops around the former ammunition bunkers. Many of the bunkers are sealed and not open to visitors, however Bunker Group 63-1 is open.
Picnicking - Single Info
The Iron Bridge Trailhead offers picnick tables with close parking access as well as close proximity to the native pollinator gardens.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
Individuals may snowshoe Midewin during the winter if conditions permit. Snowshoers must follow Midewin boundary rules and stay in open areas only.