Autumn on the Prairie

Saturday, September 16, 2017; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This annual event is open to the public. Parking is $5, and donations will also be accepted at the Welcome Tent.

Riding Prairie Tours – Look for Bison
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tickets until 2 p.m.)

• Each person take a number at the Tours Tent.
• The Bison Tours ticket supply will be limited, based on festival attendance and the location of the herd, so pick up your tickets by 2 p.m.
  
• You can join a tour anytime your number is below the one written on the white board.
• When you are ready, walk west to the tent by the fence gate and get in line.
• Bring your ticket, as it will be collected.
• First come, first served for all numbers less than the one posted.
• You will ride on a trailer through the preserve.
  
• Visitors with low mobility must be able to climb a set of steps into the trailer.
  
• Finding the bison is not guaranteed, as they cannot always be seen from the lanes.
• The last tour will leave at 4 p.m., so please get in line before 3:45 p.m.

Guided Hiking Tours
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Experienced guides will lead walking tours of Nachusa's prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
• Details on the times, destinations, length, and difficulty of the hikes will be available before AOTP.
• This information will also be posted by the Tours Tent.
• Several walking tours will depart from the AOTP site.
• Shuttled tours will drop you off and pick you up at a place on the preserve and then return you to the AOTP site.
• Meet at the Tours Tent at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure.
• Tours inside the Bison Unit will be limited to 12 people and will be cancelled or relocated if the herd is in the vicinity.
  
• The number of participants for other tours may be limited, based on available transportation.
• All tour length times are approximate.
• Sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended for the Hiking Tours, as most are off trail with hills.

Activities at the AOTP Site
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Self-Guided Plant ID Walking Path
• Catering by Oliver’s Market (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education
• Welcome Tent Info and T-Shirt Sales (New Design!)
• Children’s Tent Activities
• Books on First Sales
• Kettlecorn by Farming Heritage, Inc.

• Bison Exhibits
• Live Music
• Prairie Art and Photography
• Native American Skills
• Ojibwe Beadwork Demonstrations
• Woodcarving Display
• Local Produce Sales
  

All posted plans are subject to change.