Autumn on the Prairie

Photo by Bill Kleiman

Every year, on the 3rd Saturday in September, Nachusa Grasslands puts on the Autumn On The Prairie festival. This tradition started in 1988 with only a couple tents and a few dozen visitors. This year's festival boasted many vendors and attracted over 900 visitors. Walking and riding tours went out throughout the day and the site was filled with activities for all ages. Lunch was catered by Oliver's Corner Market.

Photo by Mark Jordan

Bison tours, such as the one above, went out from the site all day. The herd put on a good show for one wagon load after another. 
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Photo by Mark Jordan

Walking tours explored many areas of the preserve, including Tellabs Savanna (pictured above).

​Among the vendors this year were many local artists.  From photography to beading, each displayed their unique style and inspiration from the prairie.
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Artist Cindy Winterfeld

One tent was devoted to painters. Several gorgeous landscapes, such as the one above, were painted on–site.

Photo by Dee Hudson

(Above) A visitor tries the atlatl, an ancient spear–throwing technique, at Alan Harrison's tent where Native American skills were demonstrated.

Photo by Mark Jordan

The welcome tent sold 290 t-shirts!

Thank you to everyone who was involved with the festival, especially to all the volunteers who put in months of effort to make this event happen every year. We look forward to seeing you all next September! 

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Today's author is Leah Kleiman.