Conrad Station
Natural Areas: Conrad Station
State Designated Nature Preserve [#252; 2013]
Oak Savanna. Click to enlarge
Conrad Station was once a small settlement centered on a cattle ranch. The preserve features a loop trail (bottom, left) that is about a mile and a half long. While generally well-marked, there are some confusing spots where the trail intersects old roads and informal paths. You will occasionally pass through grassy areas with milkweed, partridge pea, blazing star, and other prairie wildflowers. However, most of the tread is under oaks, with bracken and young sassafras trees below. This is a relatively recent Nature Conservancy acquisition; controlled burns and hand removal of exotic species are slowly returning it closer to its original state. There are signs adjacent to the remnants of an old school and hotel that describe the settlement’s foundation and brief history.
Trail Map
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Directions
Newton County. From the intersection of US 41 and County Road 725 East, go east 0.5 miles on 725 East to a pull off on the left, just as the road curves sharply to the right (south).
GPS: N 41 06.290 W 87 26.364
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Conrad Savanna (0.9)
Kankakee Sands (5.7)