Wingate Prairie, Crystal Lake, IL

Wingate Prairie is a 53-acre restored tallgrass prairie and wetland complex in Crystal Lake, Illinois, managed by the Crystal Lake Park District. The site contains over two miles of mowed trails that wind through native prairie grasses, sedges, and wildflowers, providing opportunities for walking, running, and seasonal bird-watching. A central boardwalk crosses a restored wetland that supports waterfowl and amphibians. The prairie sits adjacent to the 3.2-mile Prairie Trail, a paved regional path that connects to downtown Crystal Lake and the nearby 1,200-acre Veteran Acres Park. Visitors can access restrooms, drinking fountains, and a small parking area at the Wingate Prairie entrance on Walkup Road. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is maintained through periodic prescribed burns and invasive-species control by district staff and volunteers.

Trails