Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center & Bison Unit Public Tours

On the public bison tours, you will ride through some of the state’s highest quality prairie, the result of countless hours of stewardship efforts. Bison grazing and wallows create micro-habitats that help support prairie diversity at Nachusa.

 After your tour, we invite you to partner with us as advocates for nature in your community, as there are many natural places that are not yet managed. Spread the word, volunteer, or donate to places like Nachusa that protect and restore habitat. Together we can help natural areas thrive!

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Tours Overview:

• Free public tours of the Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center and Bison Unit will be offered by TNC volunteers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ending time may vary due to the location of the herd) on various Saturdays from May to October 2023:
  

• May 27 (4th Saturday)
• June 17 (3rd Saturday)
• June 24 (4th Saturday)
• July 8 (2nd Saturday) 
• July 22 (4th Saturday)
• August 12 (2nd Saturday)
• August 26 (4th Saturday)
• September 23 (4th Saturday)
• October 7 (1st Saturday)
  

• Tours will be limited to 10 people per tour group leader.
• Up to two tours will be offered each day, depending on leader availability.
• Children accompanied by adults may attend as long as they can sit safely on a bench in a truck bed.
• Groups may sign up if there is enough space available.
• Space will be reserved for people who have registered in advance.
• Reservations will be available on a monthly basis. You can only sign up during the month that the tour is offered. Signups will be posted at 7 a.m. on the first day of each month and usually fill up quickly.
• Sign up for the next tour on the Nachusa Public Tours SignUpGenius online form.
  
• Instructions for signing up are provided on the form.
• Please do not call or email the preserve to ask to be added to the list, as we do not have the human resources to handle your requests.

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Sign up for the next tour only via SignUpGenius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945afa82baafb6-nachusa12

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Tours Details:

• Meet at the Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031 (not the Headquarters Barn) before 1:30 p.m., as tours will begin promptly.
• Park in the lot and climb the low hill to the pavilion, where the tour leaders will meet you.
• Depending on time and interest, tours may include Visitor Center orientation, riding on benches in the bed of a truck to various areas on the preserve, walking short distances off trail over uneven ground, visiting the bison corral, and stopping at the new seed processing/science facility.
• Viewing Nachusa’s bison is not guaranteed, as the herd cannot always be seen from the lanes.
• Each tour will last about two hours.
• Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and a hat.
• Bring a water bottle, as the unshaded prairie can be very hot. A hand pump is available at the Visitor Center.
• Bug repellent and sunscreen are also recommended.
• If storms are in the forecast, bring rain gear. 
• The Visitor Center has outhouses.
• Individuals with limited mobility may choose to remain in the vehicle while the rest of the group is out walking, but they must be able to climb up stairs to get in and out of a pickup truck.
• Tour leaders may also ask anyone not suitably dressed to stay by the vehicle.
• Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather or the unavailability of volunteer leaders.
• Please check your email for cancellation updates prior to arriving at Nachusa.
• All tours are offered and overseen by The Nature Conservancy. 

Safety Protocols:

• Guests may only attend tours if they are not feeling sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If appropriate, please follow CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html).
• Wearing face masks in the trucks is currently optional, but you are welcome to wear one if you wish.

UPDATED 05/2023