Want to know where to find bluebells in central Illinois? You are at the right spot! Virginia bluebells are native wildflower found throughout Illinois. They thrive in moist woodlands and river flood planes. Bluebells bloom together, before the Woodland canopy has a chance to steal the sun. Depending on the weather, this can happen anywhere from mid March to late April. Here are a few of my favorite trails in central Illinois that are bursting with bluebells in the spring.
Heron View- Mahomet, Illinois
Best Trail : Sycamore Trail (1.4 mile loop)
Hidden Acres- Homer, Illinois
Best Trail : Blue Bell (0.6 mile loop)
Allerton Park- Monticello Illinois
Best Trail: Brown Trail (bluebells can be seen near death of the last centaur statue)
Crowder Park- Bethany Illinois
Best Trail: The Bethany Bike Trail
This is a small patch along the creek that seems to get smaller each year due to fallen trees and invasive brush.
Elkhart Hill- Elkhart Illinois
You can drive by hill which sits 700 feet above sea level just off historic Route 66, and hope to catch a glimpse of some beautiful view blue bells. If you plan ahead you can get tickets for the annual Wild Weekend wildflower and Birdwalk, which gives you a chance to walk through the bluebells on the privately owned nature, preserve that sits the top of the hill. These walks happen every Saturday in April.
Where have you found bluebells at?
For more great hiking trails be sure to check out our Illinois State Park Challenge Progress