The 3,000-acre Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is one of the premier natural areas in the state and is open to the public 365 days a year. Come join the club on this exciting photo outing!
As of 2/28, the preserve opens at 7am. This may change once the time change happens. Closer to the date of the outing I can delay leaving 30 minutes if it still isn't open until 7am. There are picnic tables, so we could picnic if the weather is good.
There could be ticks active, so follow common tick/mosquito protection protocols.
4:30am Leave Circle K at Cunningham and Kenyon in Urbana
6:00am Stop at the Shell/Burger king at Wenona for snack/potty stop
6:15am leave
6:27am Dawn
6:30am arrive at the Dixon waterfowl preserve. Let's start out at the observation tower access parking lot.
6:54am Sunrise
6:54am to 752am Golden hour
615pm to 713pm Golden hour
7:13pm Sunset
740pm Dusk
Google maps link for the trip. This includes the stop at wenona.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mo3fw8EmmJKYKdgC6
NOTE: I don't see any indications of bathrooms at the preserve. We may need to go to Granville, which is about 10 minutes away for food/restroom breaks.
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is near Hennepin, IL. This has many important biological designations, but rather than reinvent the wheel, please see this link for detailed history and information.
https://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-overview
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THE RULES IN THE FOLLOWING LINK. MANY AREAS ARE CONSIDERED SENSITIVE, WE NEED TO RESPECT THAT.
https://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-location-and-visiting
SITE MAP:
TRAIL INFORMATION:
Seep trail:
Experience this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Hennepin, Illinois. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 6 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, fishing, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
This is a classic walking route through the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge Area. This is a protected wildlife habitat, so no dogs are allowed to come here. You'll also need to make sure to stay on the trail, to protect the nesting grounds. Keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of some of the birds that come through this area.
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge trail:
Discover this 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Hennepin, Illinois. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 53 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
Marquis Oak Ridge trail:
Get to know this 5.1-mile out-and-back trail near Hennepin, Illinois. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 30 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
This is a mostly flat, beautiful prairie and wetlands hike. It features an out and back trail with many waterfowl viewing opportunities.