John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute)

"This has become a regular weekly stop for us. Amazing play area for the young kids and nature walks like no other! Amazing views, super quiet...a perfect place to be to find peace from the busy world around us! Can't speak highly enough about it!"

"Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, and full of tons of wildlife (including snakes). We took the "Rock" trail. It was mostly easy and super kid friendly. There was a section of uphill which can be tiring if you're out of shape, but still entirely doable. Just make sure you protect yourself against bugs. They love to fly into people's eyes. Still, an amazing time; will definitely do it again!"

"Beautiful well kept natural park. We hiked the Beaver falls trail. Even though it had rained the day before, it was not extremely muddy. Only a few slick spots on the steeper hills. Waterfalls were flowing...just beautiful!❤️"

"Local hike wirh senic river view, foot traffic only. Several levels of hikes. We took Deer trail, which was the longest. Easiest trail follow the newly paved one. Wonderful experience. Birds and their songs throughout the trails and a story for the young along the paved trail. Gravel parking super easy near the trail head. Trail maps available there. Restrooms and playground near the lodge."

"When I arrived, it was a ghost town. Looking over the rules, they do not allow bicycles on the mostly cement trails. If you cannot hike but like to bike, I recommend crossing the river to the riverland's migratory bird sanctuary. They have more miles of natural growth trails that you can bike, and there is a great diversity of more accessible wildlife viewing. In particular, the Heron Avian Observatory has a covered shelter with only a short walk to parking."