Bohm Woods Nature Preserve

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamMay 8, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026

🏆 Dedicated Nature Preserve — 92 acres of upland forest, bottomland forest and river bluffs near Edwardsville

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve protects 92 acres near Edwardsville in Madison County, Illinois. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission describes the site as mesic and dry-mesic upland forest, wet bottomland forest and river bluffs. The land belongs to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in November 2006.

To get there, park at the intersection of Poag Road and Bohm School Road in Edwardsville. From the nature preserve sign, follow the field lane west; the preserve lies on the south side.

Visitor Information

About Bohm Woods

Bohm Woods is one of the dedicated sites of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission in Madison County. Its forest ranges from dry-mesic upland stands to wet bottomland forest below the river bluffs.

Things to Do

Hiking through the old-growth forest on a short trail, birdwatching for forest interior species, wildflower viewing in spring (the forest floor blooms spectacularly), and nature photography of the ancient trees.

Insider Tips

Protected status: As a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, Bohm Woods is managed for its natural communities first. Pro tip: Spring wildflower displays are extraordinary — Virginia bluebells, trilliums, and Dutchman’s breeches carpet the forest floor. Silence: This is a nature preserve, not a park — no facilities, just ancient trees and birdsong.

Best Time to Visit

April-May: Peak wildflower bloom — one of the best displays in Illinois. Fall: Mature hardwood foliage. Summer: Deep forest shade. Winter: Tree architecture visible without leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of Illinois was originally forested?

About 40% of Illinois was forested before European settlement — the rest was tallgrass prairie. Today, less than 0.1% of the original old-growth forest remains. Preserves like Bohm Woods protect irreplaceable ecological heritage — trees that germinated when George Washington was alive.

Wildlife & Nature

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve protects a remnant of the original deciduous forest that once covered 40% of Illinois before European settlement. Illinois’ forests — concentrated along rivers and in the southern hills — represent the western edge of the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome. The preserve’s mature oak-hickory forest supports breeding populations of wood thrushes — their flutelike evening songs are considered among the most beautiful in the bird world. Barred owls call “who cooks for you” at dusk. Red-bellied woodpeckers excavate nesting cavities. The forest floor’s spring ephemeral wildflowers — bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, and hepatica — bloom in a brief window before the canopy leafs out and blocks sunlight. Box turtles — which can live 100+ years — slowly navigate the forest floor.

More parks in Illinois: Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and Horseshoe Lake State Park. See the full Illinois state parks guide.

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

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