Wisconsin's Hidden Coastal Gem
Located in the southeast corner of Pleasant Prairie along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Chiwaukee Prairie is over 400 acres of preserved land, officially recognized as a National Landmark. Designated as a wetland of international importance, it's an ecological gem and a rare opportunity to see a Midwestern landscape in its natural, untouched state. Chiwaukee Prairie is the perfect spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and otherwise communing with the natural world.
Chiwaukee Prairie is free and open to the public year-round, from sunup to sundown. Parking is available on the surrounding streets.
Natural Wonder Awaits
Chiwaukee Prairie is a vital, thriving example of Wisconsin's natural heritage. An impressive display of biodiversity, the area includes grasslands, wetlands, shoreline, tall oaks, and even sand dunes and is home to a number of animals and wildlife.
A precious ecosystem, Chiwaukee Prairie is home to adorable and fascinating creatures like white-tailed deer, frogs, butterflies, and ground squirrels. It also provides critical habitat for the Blanding’s turtle. While this turtle is endangered in nearby Illinois due to habitat loss, Chiwaukee Prairie offers a safe haven where it can still be spotted throughout the wetlands. The prairie’s rich biodiversity also supports dozens of bird species, along with rare insects and pollinators that thrive here. It’s a living reminder of how important protected natural areas are for wildlife survival.
With the variety of winged friends abundant in the area, you are sure to discover your inner birdwatcher. Wetland areas are home to wood ducks, mallards, and herons. In the grasslands, you might spy a pheasant, turkey vulture, or sandhill crane. An important stopover for migratory birds, the land hosts different species throughout the year. Each and every visit is one of a kind! For a list of potential birds you may see when visiting Chiwaukee Prairie, check out this list at ebird.org.
Photographers, gardeners, and plant lovers alike won't want to miss Chiwaukee Prairie's impressive range of native flora. More than 400 plant species are present, including endangered varieties such as the Eastern White Fringed Prairie Orchid. Flowers continuously bloom in a rainbow of colors throughout the spring, summer, and fall - up to the first frost. In May, the prairie is a particularly captivating sight as pink and purple Shooting Stars flower across the fields. You may even spot a morel mushroom or two.
At the northernmost portion of the preserve, you will find the renowned Kenosha County Sand Dunes. Here you can take advantage of sensational views of Lake Michigan on land free from development. In our beloved Chiwaukee Prairie, you can relax and inhale deep breaths of fresh air as you escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
