Wandering The Trails Of Boone Creek Conservation Area In Bull Valley, Illinois

 

Hiking the rolling trails of Boone Creek Conservation Area in Bull Valley, Illinois, guided us through wetlands, prairie, and woodlands. The 608-acre McHenry County forest preserve fascinates with an overlook providing a view of the slightly hilly area. Our summer visit welcomed us to another incredibly fantastic Chicago suburban forest preserve.

Outstanding view from the overlook at Boone Creek Conservation
full of gentle hills, wildflowers, and trees!

While researching Boone Creek Conservation Area, photos and descriptions quickly enticed me to visit this much-admired preserve. Pulling into the parking area, we immediately noted a family party at the picnic pavilion. The pavilion had a beautiful view of the surrounding gently hilly landscape full of the leafy trees and brilliant blossoms of summer. As I soaked in the scenery, a monarch butterfly flitted by.

A monarch butterfly flies by.

Admiring the Landscape of Boone Creek Conservation Area

Soon, we found ourselves wandering through the prairie. The summer Illinois prairie blazes with brilliant blooms and flutters with the activity of butterflies and bees. During our adventure, we spotted monarchs, swallowtails, red admirals, fritillaries, clouded sulphurs, and pearl crescents. 

The wetlands of Boone Creek add another element to a nature exploration there.

We spotted wetlands as we continued our meandering hike. The conservation area protects the wetlands, headwaters, upland recharge areas, and creek corridors of Boone Creek.  Eventually we found ourselves under the shade of the woodlands. The natural trails guided us through a beautiful section of the preserve full of birds.

A natural dirt path winds through the woodlands of Boone Creek Conservation Area
 as the sun of summer dances through green leaves of all shapes.

History of Boone Creek Conservation Area

A photo from 1939 shows a landscape with scattered oak trees and a wetland complex. The site became a private hunting club called Bull Valley Hunting Club in the 1960s-1990s. Pheasant, deer, dove, and goose were hunted in the uplands. Fishing opportunities were also available. The McHenry County Conservation District began acquiring parcels in 1999 leading to the fabulous preserve we have today.

Savoring Our Summer Meander

We hiked through the preserve at a slower pace enjoying the sights and sounds of summer. Little hints of fall also popped up including bright, red winterberries. We discovered a number of evergreens with pinecones drizzled along the path. Chipmunks chirped as we walked. Our nature adventure to Boone Creek Conservation Area offered the nature respite we needed.

Amenities

• 1.98 miles of hiking trails
• a horse riding trail
• picnicking
• overlook
• scopes for wildlife viewing