jean mcgraw memorial nature preserve - kenosha, wi

Don't let the fact that Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve is within shouting distance of I-94 keep you away.  Once inside this 13-acre upland forest, the buzz of busy freeway traffic fades to a hum, and the sound of birds and wind through the trees takes hold.  The preserve includes several hundred feet of the Des Plaines River, and adjacent wetlands. 

Maybe it's just an illusion, but the trees along the short mulched trail here seem to stretch toward the sky. Wildflowers like Solomon's Seal, May Apple, Large White Buttercup,  and Anemone frame the pathways.  It was quiet. I pretty much had the preserve to myself. And the coolness under the canopy on such a hot summer day was more than welcome. The loop trail here is just over a half-mile in total, and was an easy, peaceful walk.

The preserve is dedicated in honor of Jean McGraw, who was a well known environmentalist in the Racine area, and a long-time member of the Kenosha/Racine Land Trust board member.

The preserve is open daily to the public, sunrise to sunset. Activities permitted include hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, canoeing, and hunting (bow/archery only).

A small parking lot is available at the entrance. There are no other amenities. 

Location: 120th Avenue (East Frontage Road), Kenosha, WI (Kenosha County) / Between Hwy C and 50.

For more information, click here.