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Nachusa Grasslands Fall Festival

A bison in a field of yellow flowers and dried brown flower stalks with the herd in the background.
Nachusa Grasslands Bison A bison grazes at Nachusa Grasslands in the fall. © Charles Larry
Event Overview

Celebrate TNC's Nachusa Grasslands's 40th year of stewardship at the Nachusa Grasslands Fall Festival. This beloved annual event is open to the public and offers numerous ways to get acquainted with Nachusa Grasslands' 4,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie. 

Activities at the Site

  • Spot Bison on a Riding Prairie Tour
    • From 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Get in line 15 minutes before.)
    • Bison viewing is not guaranteed—the bison roam as they please. 
    • Visitors with low mobility must be able to walk to the path entrance, ride a UTV to the fence gate, and then climb a ramp or stairs into a trailer.
  • Guided Hiking Tour
    • From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Get in line 5 minutes before departure at the Hiking Tours Tent.
    • Guided walking tour of Nachusa's prairies, woodlands and wetlands. 
    • Shuttles will provide transport between the main festival site and the hiking location.
    • Hikes are mostly off-trail: sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended.   
  • Discovery Tent
    • Use all your senses to learn about the animals and plants found at the preserve
    • Learn how Indigenous Peoples used parts of a bison
  • Live Raptor Demonstration
  • Live music by Mike Crowe in the dining tent.
  • Face painting
  • Hot food options from Headon's Fine Meat food truck, including vegan and vegetarian choices. Plus, kettle corn.  

Event Logistics 

  • 2075 Lowden Road, ​Franklin Grove, IL 61031
  • Gates open at 10 a.m.
  • Parking available, $5 per car. 
    • Shuttle service is provided from the parking lot to the Visitor Center. 
  • The event is open to the public.
  • Donations accepted at the Welcome Pavilion and Bison Tours tent. 

Find the latest information on the event at Friends of Nachusa Grasslands. 

More about Nachusa

Bison grazing in a misty field full of flowers.

Celebrating Nachusa’s 40th Anniversary

Over the past four decades, a dedicated community of scientists, staff and volunteers have grown Nachusa Grasslands in Illinois into a prairie jewel.

Bison herd at Nachusa Grasslands.

Nachusa Grasslands Bison FAQs

Do you have questions about the bison herd at Nachusa Grasslands? We've got answers!

A field of yellow and purple wildflowers under a blue sky with puffy white clouds.

Nachusa Grasslands Workdays

Join the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands and participate in many, if not all, aspects of managing and restoring habitat, leading tours and running events.