Illinois Bald Eagle Watching at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and McKinley Woods

 

Situated near the confluence of the Des Plaines River, DuPage River, and Kankakee River as they flow into the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center opens up incredible avenues for nature learning and exploration. Located in Channahon, Illinois,  Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and the surrounding McKinley Woods Forest Preserve welcome visitors to quite a fascinating Will County Forest Preserve.

The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center welcomes you to explore. 

Fascinating Educational Preserve

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center has received acclaim as a model of green architecture featuring geothermal heating and cooling, energy saving technology, repurposed materials such as the fireplace, renewable materials and more. In so many ways, the facility is leading by example. Plus, the design is entirely striking. I would love to attend an event here!

Fabulous views from the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center offers the opportunity
 to spot wildlife along the Des Plaines River all year long.

Inside Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, we found a number of quality exhibits that will interest explorers of all ages. The conference room was open and presents incredible views of the Des Plaines River. Scopes allow visitors to scout for wildlife. Informational signs teach about the nature of the region and how we can help preserve the environment.

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center's exhibit on
 native mussels immediate sparks interest with the form of a large scale mussel!

Experiential exhibits including a stream table invite all to engage in hands-on nature learning. A large fish tank highlights the native fish of the region. A large window welcomes all to enjoy birds visiting feeders. Displays like the one on mussels inform about the environment of the region and has it has been shaped through history. The exhibits truly reach out and inspire you to learn.

Spotting Bald Eagles and Swans at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center

The location of Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is known for bald eagle sightings and we did see one during our visit perched up above the Des Plaines River. Definitely, one of the best bald eagle watching preserves in Illinois! You will note in my image some of the industry nearby. The preserve exemplifies nature's resilience and ability to rehabilitate our environment. There is truly so much for all of us to learn while wandering this preserve!

If you are looking for where to hike in Will County,  Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and McKinley Woods is the place!

Bald eagle perched along the Des Plaines River at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Hiking along the trails of McKinley Woods delighted us with some of the best hiking in Will County and Northern Illinois. Overall, we found most of the trails fairly easy opening the experience to more to enjoy. River views with McKinley Woods are spectacular. Even in winter, I enjoyed watching the ducks splash around as the river flowed by every once in awhile allowing the current to transport them.

Inclusive Facility: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is noted for making nature learning accessible to all and features many elements and inclusive practices to help all learners.

Swans gracefully swim in McKinley Woods Forest Preserve.

We spotted swans at several spots along the rivers. There just always is something so magical about seeing these graceful birds. In the warmer months, the preserve is noted for white pelicans and I am sure you will be able to see egrets too! We did see some Eastern bluebirds while on the trails, so I know spring is near!

A trail leads into the woodlands near Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Trails are part of the McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove section. Most of the trails are paved, however, there is a short natural path which is easy to navigate. There are plenty of places to savor the river views and observe wildlife. Additionally, the preserve is quite picturesque for picnics.

McKinley Woods Forest Preserve is certainly on our list for a visit this spring or summer. I would love to see what other birds we may be able to spot. I am a big white pelican fan, so I hope to see some of them at this preserve! On our next visit, we will need to bring a picnic lunch to sit longer soaking in the views.

Nature activities within McKinley Woods include:

• Camping
• Geocaching
• Hiking
• Birding
• Fishing
• Picknicking
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• A variety of events offered through the nature center