Turtle Pond
A mowed grass trail circles Turtle Pond for a short 0.3-mile walk. In and around the pond, visitors will hear and see many types of wildlife: frogs, turtles and birds, along with butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies.
The nearby Chicago Road Seedbeds, fenced in to try and protect them from deer browsing, provide a riot of color in the spring, summer, and even into fall as the native plants begin to bloom, preparing the seeds that Midewin employees will harvest to help restore the 20,000-acre prairie.
The pond has few amenities, but visitors will find picnic tables and equestrian users will find tie-ups available for their horses.
General Information
January 1 - December 31
4:00am-10:00 pm
This is not a fee site.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 41.379111
Longitude: -88.0750222
Directions
From the Midewin Welcome Center
- Turn right/north onto Route 53
- Travel north on Route 53 for 3.6 miles.
- Turn right/east onto Hoff Road.
- Travel east on Hoff Road for 2 miles.
- The trailhead parking is on your right.
GPS Coordinates
41°22'45.0"N 88°04'31.6"W
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
YesWater
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
On the east end of Turtle Pond, right off of the Twin Oaks trail is a small picnic area. There is also an available horse tie up.
No. of Sites: 3
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
On the east end of Turtle Pond, right off of the Twin Oaks trail is a small picnick area. There is also an available horse tie up.
No. of Sites: 3
Viewing Scenery Info
The trail surrounding Turtle Pond gives you an opportunity to view the inhabiting flora and fauna. The picnic area allows you to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. The nearby seedbeds provide an opportunity to see some of the native plants that are being restored at Midewin.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Viewing Plants Info
This pond allows a view of a variety of aquatic plant species.
Viewing Wildlife Info
This pond's inhabitants include herons, kingfishers, and egrets, as well as panfish and amphibians.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
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.
Day Hikes Info
Turtle Pond provides hikers with 0.3 miles of trail that circumvents the perimiter of Turtle Pond. There are benches placed along the trail facing the pond.
Difficulty Level: Easy