River Road Trailhead

Biking - Road Cycling

Biking - Road Cycling Info

The River Road Trailhead provides bikers access to the multi-use Henslow Trail. Visitors will can access the trail through a pedestrain gate at the north end of the parking lot. From the gate follow the path approximately 40 yards and turn right (north) on the trail. Continue another 70 yards north and turn right (east) at the first trail intersection. The area north of this trail intersection is for hikers only; neither bikes nor horse back riders are allowed past this point.

The Henslow Trail takes visitors through the South Patrol Restoration Area and continues up to the Iron Bridge Trailhead. It is approximately 5.2 miles from the River Road Trailhead to the Iron Bridge Trailhead via the Henlsow Trail.

Day Hikes

Day Hikes Info

Blodgett Marsh Trail: Blodgett Marsh Trail is a 4.5 mile mowed grass trail, looping through the Blodgett Marsh restoration project. Hikers will walk through fields of grasses, both native and non-native, crossing over two creeks on their journey, first Prairie Creek and then Grant Creek.

Prairie Creek Woods Trail: The Prairie Creek Woods trail will take visitors along the edge of the restored tallgrass prairie, at times hugging the treeline before taking you to Buttonbush Pond.  After passing through the gate in the fenceline you will hike a short distance before crossing/passing an algae covered creek.  Once you reach the open prairie the trail will take a sharp left and follow the treeline. 

Hunting

Hunting Info

Whitetail archery and shotgun hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the River Road 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.

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Whitetail archery and shotgun hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the River Road 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.

Viewing WildlifeViewing PlantsViewing SceneryInterpretive Areas/Exhibits

Viewing Wildlife Info

Blodgett Marsh Trail: At both creek sites there are opportunities to see wading birds, fish, turtles and snakes.

Buttonbush Pond Overlook: Buttonbush Pond, is a pond that is home to a variety of frogs and turtles, along with beavers and the occasional egret or duck. Occasionally there will be fish in the pond, but in drier years the pond will dry up.

Prairie Creek Woods Trail: Sharp-eyed visitors may catch a glimpse of the frogs that inhabit the area, while many visitors will be followed on their journey by the multitude of dragonflies and damselflies that call the prairie home.

Glimpses of butterflies pollinating are not uncommon, the prairie is home to many butterflies, such as Swallowtails.

South Patrol Road Prairie Restoration: Grassland bird species to see/hear include meadowlarks, bobolinks, dickcissels. Frogs to see and hear include leopard frog, chorus frogs, American Toad.

Viewing Plants Info

Blodgett Marsh Trail: Hikers will walk through fields of grasses, both native and non-native. At the northern loop of the trail visitors will see a variety of upland and wetland plants and grasses. Plant species you will see could change year to year due to restoration efforts at the site.

Buttonbush Pond Overlook: Both along the trail and at the pond visitors will be treated to views of several reintroduced native species of wildflower, grass, sedge and rushes.

Prairie Creek Woods Trail: The Prairie Creek Woods trail will take visitors along the edge of the restored tallgrass prairie. Visitors will see an array of wildlife and native plants and wildflowers on their walk, including black-eyed susans, Great Blue Lobelia, Bellflower and Spotted Jewelweed.

Despite exhaustive efforts there are still non-native invasive species inhabiting the area that you will run across, including Chicory.

River Road Seedbed: This is a wetland species seedbed.

South Patrol Road Prairie Restoration: Nearly 200 different plant species have been planted and visitors will see sections of 8-foot-tall prairie grasses. The area is a mix of prairie and wetlands.

Viewing Scenery Info

The River Road Trailhead provides access to Buttonbush Pond and the Prairie Creek Woods trail and the Southern access to the Henslow Trail. These areas have a variety of landscapes including grasslands, wooded areas, restored prairie, and wetlands.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info

Along the Prairie Creek Woods trail, accessible from the River Road Trailhead, are three interpretive display signs to assist visitors in outdoor learning.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

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.