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 beginning May 1, one can view American bison.

The bison are here at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve

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.

View the Bison Frequently Asked Questions
Bison FAQs

The wait is over: Visit the bison at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve, beginning May 1!
See our 3/4/2026 Press Release

For more information on the bison's return to prairie, see our 12/8/2025 Press Release:
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. State-endangered plants maintain a foothold here, along with the insects that pollinate them. There are over 215 native species resident here in this 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. Trails wind through the prairie, and visitors can observe wildlife all year long.

This preserve includes a horseback riding area. 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 Horseback Riding Area Reserve Shelter #1