🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Chicago’s Wild Backyard — 5,000-acre wetland complex along the Des Plaines River — critical migration corridor for millions of waterfowl on the Mississippi Flyway
Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area protects 5,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and forests along the Des Plaines River in Will County — just 50 miles from downtown Chicago. The site sits on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the four major bird migration routes in North America, channeling millions of waterfowl through the Des Plaines River valley every spring and fall. The area was restored from degraded farmland in the 1940s and now supports over 280 bird species — making it one of the premier birding destinations in the Chicago metro area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Will County, IL (50mi from Chicago!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Size | 5,000 acres! |
| Birds | 280+ species! Mississippi Flyway! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mississippi Flyway?
The Mississippi Flyway is a bird migration superhighway stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic. Hundreds of millions of birds follow the Mississippi and its tributaries (including the Des Plaines River) north each spring and south each fall — making sites along the flyway critical stopover habitat.
About Des Plaines
Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area in Will County covers over 5,000 acres along the Des Plaines River in the Chicago metropolitan area — providing critical green space and wildlife habitat in one of the most densely populated regions of the Midwest. The area features wetlands, prairies, and forests that represent remnants of the pre-settlement landscape.
Things to Do
Hunting (deer, pheasant, waterfowl — permits required), fishing in the river and ponds, birdwatching (the wetlands attract migratory species), hiking, and wildlife observation. Valuable accessible outdoor recreation near Chicago.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Kankakee River State Park (a short drive away) or Kankakee State Park (a short drive away).
