Olin Nature Preserve

Situated above the limestone bluffs hugging the Great River Road in Illinois, the 294-acre preserve is a pristine retreat with 300-plus native plant species and more than 150 birds, including migratory bald eagles. All of the Olin Preserve trails are relatively short; the longest is the 1.4-mile loop trail, which connects to the 0.76-mile Beaver Falls Trail, leading to the preserve’s must-see falls (pictured), at the northeast corner of the property. To the west, the Mississippi Sanctuary trails offer a hike past the smaller Creek Trek waterfall and to a scenic spot overlooking the river. Hills and gullies, ponds and wildflowers...it's no wonder the birds love the place.