Fifty-six miles northwest of downtown Chicago lies Volo Bog State Natural Area, home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois. Formed in an ancient glacial kettle hole lake, Volo Bog features a floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounding the open pool of water in the center of the bog.

Volo Bog State Natural Area is a nature reserve in Illinois, United States, preserving Volo Bog. The bog was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 as the only remaining open-water quaking bog in Illinois. [1]

Volo Bog State Natural Area is near the southern range of glacially formed bogs and has the distinction of being one of the southernmost open-water quaking bogs in North America. No visit is complete with out a stop at the visitors center for exhibitions, the Tamarack Gift Shop, and more.

The best times to visit this trail are January through November. Volo Bog State Natural Area is a fantastic place for birdwatching, with many different bird species to see in and around the water. This walk begins from the Volo Bog State Natura Area Parking Lot and loops around the bog.

Habitat: Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois, and the Moraine Hills area contains kettle-moraine topography. Huntable areas include marshes, prairie restoration areas, woodlands of mixed hardwoods.

Jul 16, 2023 · The Eye of Volo Bog is the only remaining open-water quaking bog in Illinois and the southernmost quaking bog in North America to show all the stages of bog succession. From a birds-eye view, Volo Bog looks like a eye (hence the nickname maybe?), with five distinct layers of vegetation surrounding the ‘pupil.’

Volo Bog State Natural Area offers two trails going through completely different habitats. Birding opportunities exist for thrush, warbler, vireos, flycatcher, wrens, sparrows, waxwings, catbird, duck, raptors & more

Mar 27, 2025 · Volo Bog State Natural Area, is a beautiful and enriching destination for those seeking to explore a unique natural haven. This 298-acre sanctuary is home to a magnificent 50-acre bald hill Prairie that has remained untouched for hundreds of years and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Volo Bog is the southmost open-water quaking bog in North America to exhibit all stages of bog succession. It is Illinois' only remaining open-water quaking bog. An herb mat of sedges and ferns surrounds the open water.

As park visitors traverse through woods, wetlands, field and prairie, they are given the opportunity to experience and enjoy the diverse communities within the park. From higher elevations along the trail, one can look down into the Volo Bog basin and view the state threatened tamarack trees.