Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve

Description

Located on the border of Kane and DeKalb Counties, Burlington Prairie is one of the District's westernmost preserves. It’s one of the few spots in Kane County where one can stand in the prairie and listen to the quiet wind sweeping over the land. And, as of May 1, 2026, one can view American bison.

The bison are HERE

American bison have made a triumphant return to Kane County prairie, for the first time in more than 200 years. The move follows a three-way partnership between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County as land owner, the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC) as owner of the animals, and Ruhter Bison as the herd manager.

The bison were transferred from an Illinois herd with provenance that traces back to the last remaining bison on the Great Plains. The exact herd manager wishes to be anonymous, so that the focus can be on the current partners: the Forest Preserve District, American Indian Center of Chicago, and Ruhter Bison.

While there are indeed other bison in Kane County — including herds at both Fermilab in Batavia and at Lords Park in Elgin — their environments are different. Fermi's bison are on grass pasture and Lords Park's bison are in a zoo exhibit. The bison at Burlington Prairie are on tallgrass prairie. Prairies are complex ecosystems with incredible diversity. Burlington Prairie, for example, is made-up of 114 different native grasses and wildflowers. This is the first time in more than 200 years that bison in Kane County have lived on prairie, as historically they once did.

Construction Notifications: Please be advised of the following construction projects at this preserve.

May -July 2026: The District is installing an adjoining, 52-acre fenced area, to expand the bison enclosure. The original enclosure was 32 acres. With phase 2 completed, the bison will have 82 acres on which to roam. A map of the planned layout for the three phases of the bison project is available below. The second phase (52-acre fence) is estimated to be completed at the end of July.  The preserve remains open during fence installation.  More information |  Map of Master Plan Layout

Late October - November 2026: The District will be paving the current gravel lot at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve. This parking will allow more people to easily visit the bison, as well as provide parking for three school buses, with a dedicated turn-around. The preserve is expected to remain open, with temporary parking along the preserve roadway. We'll post more information here, as this project moves forward.

View the Bison Frequently Asked Questions and Safety Guidelines

Bison FAQs Safety Guidelines

Bison News:

Visit the bison at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve, beginning May 1
3/4/2026 Press Release

Bison make a return to Kane County prairie, after 200+ years
12/8/2025 Press Release

Burlington Prairie lies in the northwest corner of Burlington Township, however the mailing address is Sycamore. It is one of those very rare parcels of land that through a series of fortunate land use events, remains as totally undisturbed prairie. Grasses and wildflowers carpet the gently rolling landscape of Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve. A portion of the preserve is virgin prairie, where the ground has never been broken by a plow. There are over 200 native species resident in the 35-acre prairie and wetland, which is now a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve.

In addition to the original prairie, there are large areas of recreated prairie.

This preserve includes a horseback riding area. Horseback riding is permitted north of the entrance rd. Horseback riding near the bison enclosure is prohibited. Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed-grass paths. Limestone screenings trails and asphalt bike trails are available in some of the preserves. These are multi-use trails shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers etc. Horse riders are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas or in farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use at this preserve.

Preserve Map Reserve Shelter #1