Northern Loop

Located on Interstate 80, Princeton is the place to start your customized trip back to the things that matter. Experience the Lovejoy Homestead, an important site on the Underground Railroad network to freedom and National Historic Landmark; cross one of Illinois' five remaining covered bridges; explore the Bureau County Historical Museum; venture in any direction to enjoy nature; or visit the unique shops and stately homes that line Princeton's brick streets. Princeton has numerous festivals including their newest month-long Festival 56 Summer Theater. Visitors can explore one of Illinois' first wind farms, or the state's first "wind-powered" high school in nearby Manlius.

About ten miles southeast of Princeton, the Illinois River dives southward, slipping into the wide north-south valley originally carved by an ancient Pleistocene version of the Mississippi River. The associated natural habitats are mostly open grassland types, dotted with closed-canopy woodlands such as those at Warnecke Woods, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve, and Condit's Ranch Campgrounds.

Prairies dominate the remainder of this loop. The McCune Sand Prairie sits on super-porous glacial moraine soils, resulting in a unique assemblage of dry-country grasses, wildflowers and small trees, including a number of species more common to regions much further west.

Northern Loop Map

(For a detailed overview of the N. Loop nature sites - click the numbers on the right side of the map)

Park Symbol Guide

1. Warnecke Woods
 

Warnecke Woods is a 33.5 -acre botanical gem that was donated to the Bureau County Natural Resources Conservation Service District in 1984 by Marie Warnecke. Ecologically, the site is a mix of rare black oak/black maple Savannah, swampy floodplain forest dominated by swamp white oak, and abandoned agricultural land which is gradually succeeding back to woodland through careful management. Interesting Savannah plants include Ohio buckeye, wild lek, gray dogwood, Virginia bluebells, gooseberry, and downy yellow violet. Down in the lowlands, the early spring woodland wildflower show features ephemeral species such as jack-in-the-pulpit, spring beauty, trout lily, American pennyroyal, mayapple, bloodroot, skunk cabbage and red trillium.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.41130; w 89.48076
Site Contact - 815-875-8732/ website

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and 180 in Princeton, go north on SR 26 for approximately 0.6 miles to the "Covered Bridge Road" (look for the "Covered Bridge" sign on the left). Turn northwest (left) on the "Covered Bridge Road" for 0.1 miles, then west (left) on the first gravel road for 0.6 miles to Warnecke Woods. Please pay attention to the "No Trespassing" signs posted for the private properties surrounding the woodland.

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2. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
 

The Hennepin Canal was originally conceived in 1890 as part of an overall plan to connect the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico in order to facilitate barge shipping. The problem was that by the time the canal was finished 17 years later, a combination of decreasing railway shipping rates and increasing barge sizes had already rendered the narrow canal obsolete, particularly for commercial purposes.

Thus, primary usage along the 105-mile Hennepin Canal has always tended toward recreational. In order to facilitate this objective, the entire waterway was designated as a state park and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The best place to begin your exploration of Hennepin Canal State Park is at its visitors center near Sheffield. At the center, you can orient yourself, talk to staff members, and view excellent exhibits of tools used to construct the canal and other natural history aspects of the park.

The park's primary habitat includes riparian type forests comprised of shag-bark hickory, black walnut, white ash, hack-berry, and red mulberry. In addition, numerous patches of tall-grass prairie fill in the non-forested areas. Recreational opportunities include birding (Wild Turkey and waterfowl are park specialties), hiking/biking/horseback riding along the park's 155-mile trail paralleling the canal, boating, picnicking, and winter sports such as cross country skiing and snowmobiling.

Site Access - Free; Fee
GPS - n 41.37322; w 89.68957
Site Contact - 815-454-2328/ website

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles to Exit 45. Take the exit and go south on SR 40 for 1.2 miles. Turn west (right) on CR 1550N for 0.3 miles to the park on the right.

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3. McCune Sand Prairie
 

This 200-acre rare prairie type was donated to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Bureau County District by Mr. and Mrs. J.D. McCune (120-acres) and the University of Illinois (80-acres). Due to the exceptionally sandy soil composition, sand prairies are exceedingly well-drained and are therefore even drier than typical Midwestern tall-grass prairies. However, the northern portion of this site supports tree and shrub growth, and is populated with sparse specimens of green ash, eastern red cedar, Osage orange, Iowa crabapple, prairie rose, red mulberry, and bur oak.

Grasses and forbs common to the site include unusual prairie species such as sand blue-stem and hairy grama grasses, Bicknell's sedge, Scriber's panic grass, hairy lens grass, clustered poppy mallow, Illinois tick trefoil, rough blazing star, marble seed, pale beard tongue, and even prickly pear cactus.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.45456; w 89.82918
Site Contact - 815-875-8732

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles and take Exit 45, turning south on SR 40 for 1.7 miles. Turn west (right) on US 6/US 34 for 8.6 miles into Mineral, IL. Turn north (right) on CR (County Road) 10 briefly, turning east (right) on CR 10/Main St. for 0.2 miles. Turn north (left) to follow CR 10/East St. for 2.1 miles and under I 80 heading north. Turn north (left) on CR 10/CR 150E and go 3.9 miles to the McCune Sand Prairie parking area on the left.

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4. Witness Tree
 

Bureau County's Witness Tree is a 250-year-old bur oak which has served as a landmark and meeting site for at least 200 years. This mammoth oak's burly trunk measures 14 feet in circumference with a branch spread of over 80 feet. The bur oak is a seminal Midwestern prairie tree with acorns so large that only one can fit in the palm of the hand.

As early as the 19th century Potawatomi Indians, led by Chief Shabbona, held council at the tree with members of the Fox and Sauk tribes. The tree stands along the Old Indian Trail that once ran through northern Illinois, parallel and just north of today's I 80. In 1944, local farmers donated small parcels of land surrounding the Witness Tree to ensure its preservation.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.33507; w 89.81862
Site Contact - 815-875-8732

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles to Exit 45. Take the exit and go south on SR 40 for 1.7 miles. Turn west (right) on US 6/US 34 for 3.9 miles. Turn south (left) on US 34/CR 550E for 1.9 miles, then turn west (right) on CR 1300N for 3.3 miles. The Witness Tree is located at the juncture of CR 1300N with CR 10/CR 100E.

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5. Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area
 

Approaching 900 acres in size, Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area is comprised of a restored strip mine which has attracted a vibrant community of plants and animals to its forests, lakes, and grasslands. Over a dozen lakes ranging in size from 0.5-15.5 acres dot the landscape. Dragonfly enthusiasts should check the sedges, rushes, cattails, and other emergent aquatic vegetation along the lakes' shorelines where dragonflies perch during the warm months. This habitat is also excellent for finding water-associated birds such as bitterns, rails, Red-winged Blackbirds, and the like.

Hill prairie grasses and wildflowers along the old mining slag heaps furnish habitat for an assortment of birds such as Eastern Meadowlark and several sparrow species. The roadways in Mautino double as hiking trails for touring the mix of bottomland forest (cottonwood, silver maple, hack-berry, black cherry) interlaced with hill prairies.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.32332; w 89.71890
Site Contact - 815-454-2328/ website

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles to Exit 45. Take the exit and go south on SR 40 for 4.4 miles. Turn west (right) to CR (County Road) 24/Main St. in Buda, following CR 24 westward for another 2.0 miles to the site.

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6. LaFayette Home Nursery
 

As Central Illinois' first nursery, LaFayette Home Nursery is a family owned business which opened its doors in 1887. Native plant propagation and natural area restoration are among its primary services, stemming from research and techniques that began back in 1970. The native restoration division of the nursery was initiated by pioneer prairie plant horticultural researcher and native plant advocate, Corliss "Jock" Ingels. Presently, the nursery is operated by 3rd and 4th generation Ingels family members.

Site Access - Free; 7am-12pm & 1pm-5pm Mon-Sat
GPS - n 41.11305; w 89.97417
Site Contact - 309-995-3311

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles to Exit 45. Take the exit and go south on SR 40 for 4.4 miles. Turn west (right) to CR (County Road) 24/Main St. in Buda, following CR 24 westward for another 4.1 miles. Go south-west (left) on US 34 for 10.3 miles into Kewanee. Turn right (west) on US 34/ E 2nd St. for 0.5 miles. Turn left (south) on US 34/N Main St. for 7.3 miles. Turn south (left) on E 2450 St for 3.7 miles. Go right on E Jefferson St. for 0.2 miles. Turn right (north) on Hodgson St. briefly to the nursery.

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7. Indian Creek Vineyard
 

Nestled in Stark County, Indian Creek Vineyard sits on acreage owned by the Sams family since 1841. Recently, Fred Sams converted the old family farm into a lovely Bed & Breakfast, vineyard, and wine/gift shop, replete with a 2-mile walking trail which runs by the last known settlement of the Potawatomi Indians.

Bikers and hikers will be happy to know that Indian Creek Vineyard is located only 1.5 miles west of the Rock Island Trail State Park trailhead in nearby Toulon. Among the vineyard's more notable grapes are varieties such as Marachel, Frontenac, LaCrosse, St. Croix, and St. Pepin. The wine shop also offers all of the finest local Illinois labels.

Site Access - Free; Fee; call ahead
GPS - n 41.11588; w 89.87341
Site Contact - 309-286-5302/ www.indiancreekvineyard.com

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles to Exit 45. Take the exit and go south on SR 40 for 4.4 miles. Turn west (right) to CR (County Road) 24/Main St. in Buda, following CR 24 westward for another 4.1 miles to US 34. Go south-west (left) on US 34 for 6.5 miles to CR 00E. Go south (left) for 2.7 miles. Turn right on CR 610N then make an immediate left (south) on 650 E for 4.0 miles. Keep straight on SR 91 for 5.5 miles to West Clinton St. Turn right (west) for 0.3 miles and turn north (right) at the "Vineyard" sign, continuing another 1.5 miles to the vineyard on the left.

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8. Schneider's Orchard
 

Peg and Elbert Schneider began fruit farming in 1928, growing pears, peaches, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries along with apples. By 1956 they decided to go strictly with apples, Elbert's first love. Working with apples was so much fun that Elbert always considered it a hobby, even though the orchard produces substantial amounts of 24 apple varieties.

Elbert passed on in 2004, and Peg and sons decided to continue the business, keeping it pared down to basics. "We're all about apples in the country," says Peg, "and we insist that you taste the apples to decide which you like."

Site Access - Free; 9am-5pm mid-July through November
GPS - n 41.08921; w 89.44032
Site Contact - 309-354-3037

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go south on SR 26, following it south and east for approximately 9.5 miles to Bureau. In Bureau, turn south (right) onto SR 29 and go approximately 15.3 mile (becomes SR 29/University Ave.) to CR (County Road) 1150N. Turn west (right) on CR 1150N and go 2.5 miles to the orchard on the right.

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9. Condit's Ranch and Stables
 

Located on a high bluff overlooking the Illinois River Valley, Condit's ranch offers numerous outdoor recreational experiences including both RV and primitive camping, 4 small lakes for shoreline fishing, a swimming lake replete with sandy beach, and forested hiking/walking trails. Condit's Riding Stables, located 1.0 mile down the road, offers 1-hour guided trail rides over their awe-inspiring Timber Trail system. Normal operating days are weekends and holidays, but weekday times and group tours are also available by appointment.

Site Access - Fee; call ahead
GPS - ranch/campground n 41.21407; w 89.41250
Site Contact - 815-437-2226/ http://www.condits-ranch.com/ 

Directions:
From the intersection of SR 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go south on SR 26 for approximately 9.5 miles. In Bureau, turn south (right) onto SR 29 for 5.8 miles. Go west (right) on Log Cabin Hill Road for 1.0 mile to the Ranch/Campground on the left. The stables are located 1.0 mile further on Log Cabin Hill Road.

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10. Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve
 

Dedicated in 1969, the 340-acre Miller-Anderson Nature Preserve contains a variety of natural communities, dominated by old-growth oak-hickory bluff forests and maple-basswood ravines. Other communities present include sedge meadow, seep spring (floating bog), and hill prairie. Notable plant species include showy orchid, queen-of-the-prairie, and Schreber's aster. The seep areas are characterized by large accumulations of peat (decomposed mosses), which support marsh marigold, skunk cabbage, and other interesting vegetation. The unusual mix of habitats here also support a rather unique mix of wetland and forest birds, as well as butterflies and dragonflies in the wetland and prairie areas.

A narrow, ribbon-marked, moderately difficult trail traverses much of the woodland habitat. The bluff offers panoramic views of the Illinois River wetlands where Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles (winter) can be
seen riding the air currents.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.23922; w 89.40031
Site Contact - 815-244-3655/ website 

Directions:
From the intersection of SR 26 (State Route) and I 80 in Princeton, go south on SR 26 for approximately 9.5 miles. In Bureau, turn south (right) onto SR 29 for 4.1 miles to the preserve entrance on the right.

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11. Hennepin & Hopper Lakes Restoration Project
 

In April 2001, a Chicago-based non-profit ecological restoration organization known as The Wetlands Initiative began restoring a 2,600-acre levee district back into a complex of lakes, wetlands and prairie. Besides reestablishing native wildlife habitat other objectives for this site include demonstrating cost-effective self-sustaining solutions to water pollution and flood management issues, public education, research, and providing high-quality open public space for recreational opportunities. Nature lovers can expect to see an impressive array of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, as well as emergent aquatic plants and prairie-dwelling grasses and wildflowers. Wonderful birding opportunities occur year round, peaking during both the Spring and Fall migration periods when tens of thousands of ducks and other species can be viewed on a daily basis from the observation tower.

Site Access - Free; dawn-dusk
GPS - n 41.21619; w 89.32144
Site Contact - 312-922-0777/ website 

Directions:

From the intersection of SR 26 (State Route) and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61/I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. Take the Connecting Rd. exit for 0.2 miles. Go south on SR 26 for 2.4 miles. Turn west (right) on Hennepin Farms Road, following it 1.0 mile to an old concrete bridge. Turn west (left) just before the bridge, and follow the sandy lane for 0.2 miles to the parking area near the observation tower.

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12. Putnam County Conservation District

Created by a 1966 county referendum under provisions of the Conservation District Act of 1963, the 950+-acre Putnam Country Conservation District was established through the acquisition and preservation of 5 wild-land parcels. The "home site" is a 270-acre tract called the Natural Lands Area, which also houses the district's headquarters and offers primitive camping, picnic shelters, hiking and equestrian trails, and cross country skiing through oak-hickory forests and restored tallgrass prairie. Be on the lookout for coyotes, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer, all of which are commonly observed there.

The district's other holdings include the 430-acre Lake Senachwine Area, located on 3,000+ acre Lake Senachwine, a backwater lake of the Illinois River. The area offers fishing, boating, snowmobiling, ice-skating, shelters, and the 260-acre Fox Run Area, which specializes in equestrian riding through wooded ravines in the area's upper section.

The Putnam County Conservation District is also the custodian of two state-recognized nature preserves. The larger of the two is the 80-acre George S. Park Memorial Woods. The preserve is a high quality remnant of the oak forests that once dominated ravines along the Illinois River Valley.

Site Access - Free; Fee
GPS - n 41.16879; w 89.28734
Site Contact - 815-882-2319/ website

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61/I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. Take the Connecting Rd. exit for 0.2 miles. Turn south (right) on SR 26 for 5.8 miles. Turn east (left) on CR (County Road) 11/CR 500N for 1.5 miles to the "Putnam County Conservation Area" sign. Turn south (right) at the sign and follow the access road another 1.0 mile to the site.

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13. Boggio's Little Mountain Orchard

Just outside of Granville, Illinois in the little community of Mark, Denise and Keith Boggio operate Boggio's Little Mountain Orchard. Both children of produce marketing families, the Boggios grow an amazing array of products, from fruits and vegetables to dried flowers, honey, and their famous nationally-award-winning apple cider. The in-house market bakery produces breads, pies, and other baked goods (try the apple sticks!).

Children love visiting the Boggio petting zoo and corn maze. During the busy season, class field trips arrive daily from as far away as Chicago, each one gleefully escorted by Princess, the Boggios' feisty and resourceful "min-pin" dog. "Entertainment farming," is the term Denise likes to use for their operation; entertainment indeed.

Site Access - Free; daily, jul-mid-nov
GPS - n 41.25701; w 89.23881
Site Contact - 815-339-2245/ website 

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61/I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. At the Connecting Rd. exit, take the ramp for SR 71 and go east 4.9 miles to the market on the right.

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14. Plow Creek Farm
 

Plow Creek Farm is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, and specializes in producing nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products while minimizing the use of chemicals and machinery to the greatest extent possible. Primary products include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, seedless watermelon, sweet corn, and tomatoes. From time to time, grass-fed beef (no hormones/no antibiotics) is offered as well. The community also offers additional products and services such as baked goods, carpentry and cabinet work, and pottery, among others. The Plow Creek Fellowship welcomes visitors who might be curious about their practices and lifestyle.

Site Access- Free; june-oct; call ahead
GPS - n 41.28964; w 89.49093
Site Contact - 815-646-4862/ http://www.plowcreekfarm.com/

Directions:
From the intersection of SR 26 (State Route) and I 80 in Princeton, follow SR 26/Main St. south through town. Continue south and southwest on Tiskilwa Spur Road for 7.0 miles into Tiskilwa. Turn left on Main Street, then take the third right on State Street. Go left (east) on 1st Street (becomes Tiskilwa Bottom Rd/CR (County Road) 23) out of town about 0.75 miles to Plow Creek Farm on the right. A map is available at www.plowcreek.org/farm/location.htm.

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15. Hornbaker Gardens
  

Established in 1987, Hornbaker Gardens originated as a wholesale nursery owned and operated by Rich and Kathy Hornbaker. However, after their first annual open house event, it became apparent the Hornbakers should go into the retail business. Both love to garden, and they more than welcome visitors to their extensive gardens, replete with benches, ponds, bridges, gazebos, etc. Over the years, the Hornbakers have trialed hundreds of plants in their own gardens. Today, their primary retail focus is on perennials, hostas, daylilies, aquatic plants, and grasses, along with traditional Illinois trees and shrubs, and some of the finest locally-produced garden sculpture in the country. For price lists, hours, directions, a map, and other information, please visit their website.

Site Access- Free; 8am-5pm; april 10 through october 10
GPS - n 41.31122; w 89.42065
Site Contact - 815-659-3282/ http://www.hornbakergardens.com/

Directions:
From the intersection of SR 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61. Take the exit and go south (right) on I 180 for 5.8 miles. At Exit SR 26 turn northwest (right) on SR 26 for 0.4 miles. Go southwest (left) on CR 2355E for 2.0 miles to the top of the hill. Follow the "Hornbaker Gardens" sign, turning south (left) on Hill St. and continuing 0.5 miles to the site.

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16. Donnelley Depue State Fish & Wildlife Area & Complex
 

The Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Areas complex, home to a $1 million State Duck Stamp Project, is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Frank C. Bellrose, world-renown waterfowl expert, has designated this area, located at the "Great Bend" of the Illinois River, an important North American waterfowl migration corridor. The state wildlife areas established here contain a variety of wetland habitats that are critical to migratory waterfowl. Consequently, much of the 3,015-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting and viewing. Besides waterfowl, the site supports populations of American White Pelicans and Bald Eagles during the winter months.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.32370; w 89.31647
Site Contact - 815-447-2353/ website 

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61. Take the exit and go south (right) on I 180 for 1.9 miles. At Exit US 6, go east (left) on US 6 for 3.0 miles. Keep right on CR (County Road) 2775E/Princeton St. for 3.2 miles into Depue. Turn south (left) briefly on East St., then west (right) on W. 4th St. Follow 0.5 miles to the site.

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