Where to Go

The City Nature Challenge is meant to be a fun, exciting way to enjoy nature. There are so many places to explore and observe! 

REGISTER FOR HIKES HERE: CLICK HERE

Natural Area Accessibility

The following locations are open to hiking and City Nature Challenge participation:

• Winnebago County Forest Preserves 

• Boone County Conservation District

  • Spencer Conservation Area

  • Lib Conservation Area

  • Distillery Road Conservation Area

  • Ipsen Road and Newburg Village Conservation Areas

  • Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area

• Byron Forest Preserves

• DeKalb County Forest Preserves

• Nygren Wetlands, a Natural Land Institute Nature Preserve

• Rockford Park District Parks

• Nature At The Confluence, South Beloit, IL

Remember that your neighborhood and back yard are great places to observe nature, too!

What is your favorite place to hike? Let us know! 

Natural Areas Map

Explore this interactive map of natural areas within the 5-county area! Locations offering guided hikes and open houses have a yellow marker, and locations without public access are red.