Many Say These Illinois Grasslands are a Hidden National Treasure

It's easy to take for granted something that's practically in your own backyard, but Illinois really does have a special place that many sadly overlook. Those that have visited it say it's one of America's hidden and underrated national treasures and they're not wrong.

I had to be reminded of these grasslands in Illinois thanks to a share this week on the Illinois sub-Reddit. It simply said "Nachusa Grasslands is amazing. You must go." This is an area in north-central Illinois that looks like it's been restored to the late 1800's with grassland and bison everywhere.

I saw someone who left a review on Trip Advisor say "come for the bison, stay for the prairie" which is a great recommendation. It's such a rare part of America right now that appears almost untouched by civilization which is remarkable considering how close it really is to big cities like Rockford and not that far even from Chicago.

This part of Illinois is the result of a more than 20 year effort to bring back the grasslands and protect a part of the Land of Lincoln from becoming concrete like much of the state. Yes, the bison herd is worth the trip alone, but seeing that prairie land really will remind you of scenes from Dances With Wolves. It's one of the most underrated places in Illinois and America for that matter.