Volo Bog Interpretive Trail

The Volo Bogs State Natual Area is a unique ecosystem located in Volo Illinois, about an hour and a half north of Chicago. It contains a 0.5 mile floating boardwalk through a natural bog system. The boardwalk is marked with interperative signs along the trail describing what can be seen at least point though the ecosystem. At the center of the bogs is a large floating platform overlooking the eye of the bog. The bog is very scenic any time.of year, but especially in the fall when the native plants turn vibrant yellow and red. The park also has 5.5 miles of additional hiking trails through oak savanna and forests. Whooping cranes use the park as a stop over place each spring and fall. The hiking is easy with minimal elevation changes. Trails are well maintained and mowed. The boardwalk has informative signs along the path describing what’s around. The floating walkway is fun for kids. The hike through the bog is fascinating and informative- not to mention the fun of bouncing along the floating path. Observation tower was cool but the highlight was the blind they built just for bird watching and photography.  It’s most enjoyable during the spring and fall, during the summer (because it is a bog) the mosquitoes can get very aggressive, but a good repellent goes a long way. It’s a fairly easy trail, but part of it is on a boardwalk/alligator walk which can be a bit unsteady. It’s a very diverse trail and goes through prairie, wooded area, and lovely meadows. It also has a nice overlook built in an out-of-the way spot.   Trail Submitted by Laura Raffin