Virtual Office Notice

As of March 17, 2020, the office has moved to virtual work until further notice, and to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers, we are not scheduling in-person meetings at this time. Continuing our service to you during this time is very important. We are ready and available to help you. Please contact us by phone: (815) 423-6370; or e-mail: SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov for any inquiries or assistance.

Midewin trails remain open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are over 30 miles of non-motorized trails. Trail maps in English and Spanish are available online: www.fs.usda.gov/main/midewin/maps-pubs. Self-guided tours are also available on the website that are accessible by smartphone: https://midewin.oncell.com/en/index.html.

The health and safety of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie visitors, volunteers, staff, partners and nearby communities remains our top priority. Please continue to follow the guidance of our local health officials and CDC. For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

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An Important Story about The History of This Public Land: (13 minutes)

Know Before You Go

Know before you go about the importance of not flying drones near or above livestock or wildlife. Follow this link for more information.

Features

Explore Midewin NTP

Whether you visit Midewin NTP in person or through one of the many podcasts and webinars available, you can experience the wonder of the largest open space in the Chicago metro-area.

Visit the Outdoor Learning section for information on all the ways you can experience Midewin NTP on the ground and from home.

Check out all the information available on our nonmotorized trails, including self-guided tours that are available through an app.

Download a copy of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Guide here.

Just for Kids

Midewin NTP is a fun place with lots to do. Bring your bicycle and visit one of the hundreds of bunkers where ammunition was stored during WWII. Explore long lanes of prairie wildflowers, insects, and birds at the seedbeds. In this section you'll find kid-friendly websites, virtual experiences, and activities.