DISCOVER THE LAKE PLAIN COASTAL PRESERVES
Eight interconnected preserves create a living corridor along Lake Michigan's shore. Find the trails, species, and experiences waiting just a short trip from Chicago or Milwaukee.
Get to know the Coastal Preserves
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Illinois Beach State Park
Walk Illinois' only remaining undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and search for nesting shore birds along trails that wind through ancient beach ridges.
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Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area
Wander Wisconsin's largest and highest quality coastal prairie, housing over 400 native plant species.
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Spring Bluff Forest Preserve
Venture into this wetland reserve, interspersed with oak savanna and dry sand prairies.
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Kenosha Dunes
Explore where migrating dunes meet Lake Michigan's shoreline and discover rare plants that thrive in the shifting sands of Chiwaukee Prairie’s State Natural Area most northern unit.
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Waukegan Dunes
Enjoy the sunset on the beach in these urban dunes just minutes from downtown Waukegan.
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Chiwaukee West
Venture west of the railroad from Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area to discover Chiwaukee-West: an active restoration of prairie, wetland, and savanna communities.
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Bowen Park’s Glen Flora Ravine
Venture into hidden ravine systems where you can lose yourself among spring wildflowers and discover rare ferns in cool, protected valleys.
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Novotny/Fossland Park
Experience this Great Lakes ravine system complete with a diverse array of wet-mesic understory species.
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Hosah Park
Despite its small footprint, this park is the Lake Plain’s most ecologically diverse (and most fragile) Natural Area.
Discover The Lake Plain Respectfully
The Lake Plain Coastal Preserves reward mindful exploration with extraordinary discoveries. These fragile ecosystems depend on visitors and caretakers who understand that respectful discovery protects what makes this coast so special. Your careful attention helps preserve these essential services for future generations.
YOUR ROLE AS A TEMPORARY STEWARD
Stay on Designated Trails
Dune and swale ecosystems are easily damaged by foot traffic. When exploring The Lake Plain Coastal Preserves, use the marked paths to protect the rare plant communities and nesting areas. Designated trails offer the best viewing opportunities for wildlife.
Leave Only Footprints
Take note of everything you bring in and make a plan for waste. Even organic waste can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, so use designated areas to dispose of trash properly. Leave everything where you found it -- take a picture of rocks, shells, plants, and animals to remember them.
Observe Without Disturbing
Many Lake Plain species are protected by state and federal law. Watch your step as you make your way on designated paths, use binoculars and cameras to capture your discoveries, and keep your voices low near sensitive wildlife areas.
Respect Wildlife and Nesting
Give birds and animals plenty of space to exist within this lake. Be careful not to approach, feed, or touch any wildlife. Dogs must remain leashed and on designated trails only. Please refer to each individual landowner’s rules and regulations before bringing your pet.
Plan Your Trip
Come Curious, Leave Inspired
Bring field guides, binoculars, and a sense of wonder to your exploration. Take time to truly see—the most remarkable discoveries reward patient observation, revealing prickly pear cactus in unexpected places and native wonders hidden among the grasses. Share your discoveries through photography and stories so others can experience the same moments of wonder.
Plan Ahead for Mindful Exploration
Check weather conditions and dress appropriately for lakefront conditions that can change quickly. Bring water and stay hydrated during your exploration, especially on sunny days along the exposed dunes and prairies. Consider guided walks led by The Lake Plain Coalition to deepen your understanding of this rare ecosystem's intricate relationships.
Give Back to What Gives to You
Support conservation through donations or membership in partner organizations working to protect the 930 plant species that call this coast home. Share your positive experiences to inspire others to visit respectfully, and help keep trails clean by picking up any litter you encounter—every small action protects the ecosystem that provides clean water for millions.
Let’s Go
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Go Birding
From the established trails and observation areas equipped with binoculars, view over 163+ documented species of birds during their migration periods.
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Go Fishing
Access Lake Michigan, Sand Pond, and select tributary streams which provide opportunity for both shore and deeper water angling.
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Go Hunting
Following state and local regulations, navigate the mosaic prairie, wetland, and savanna habitats to hunt for game species in Chiwaukee Prarie State Natural Area and Chiwaukee-West and help maintain the delicate balance of this rare ecosystem.
School Programs &
Field Trips
Bring your students to explore the Lake Plain's living classroom. We offer field trips, classroom visits, and educational programs tailored to your curriculum needs.
Our programs help students discover local biodiversity and rare ecosystems, learn conservation and stewardship practices, and experience hands-on science in a real-world setting.
Available through the Lake Plain Coalition and partner organizations including local libraries and conservation groups.