Henslow Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail makes for an agreeable run if you're not opposed to a crushed-rock tread.

Weighing in at over five miles in length, the Henslow Trail is among the longer trails at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. This crushed-rock trail is most frequently accessed from the Iron Bridge Trailhead to the north because of its proximity to the bison experiment area (simply follow the signs and bring binoculars).

Note that the bison area is very large, and that they may not be visible if they're in a distant section.

As it moves away from the bison area, the trail crosses over the highway and begins to meander through large, open fields. At roughly the half-way point, a bridge ushers runners over Prairie Creek. The slightly lower elevation of the prairie here makes it apt to hold water and look more like a wetland depending on when you visit. The Henslow Trail ends at a road just north of the River Road Trailhead.

There is little shade along the trail, so prepare accordingly for warm and sunny days. Regardless of the season, long pants and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Twenty-seven bison were introduced to the prairie in 2015 to allow researchers to observe how their foraging habits may support the restoration process.

The prairie is teeming with life from reintroduced native plants, to a host of bird species. There are also plenty of interesting spiders.