See Where 27 Bison Run Free on the Prairies of Illinois Again

It used to be a common sight, but eventually bison completely disappeared from the grasslands of Illinois. Now, they're back and the iconic American animals run free on the prairies of Illinois and you can see them, too.

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It's been 7 years since the United States Forest Service reintroduced a herd of 27 bison to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois. This rustic grassland is located near Wilmington, Illinois which is surprisingly located not that far from Chicago, just 60 miles southwest of the Windy City.

This was the moment 7 years ago when the bison herd was released into this Illinois grassland area once again.

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie restoration in Illinois is quite an achievement in itself as the forest service had to bring back the healthy foliage that was more common when bison originally roamed this land.

The good news is you can visit the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and there's no fee to do so according to the United States Forest Service website. It says the prairie is currently open and they offer help if you visit:

You can pick up trail maps, program guides, pocket guides, and other informational brochures about native Illinois prairie species and more. Staff can answer questions about bison, trails, and upcoming programs.

It remains one of the wilder parts of Illinois and is a borderline miraculous restoration of the grasslands that used to be more common in the state and the majestic bison that roam them once again and hopefully forever.