Volo Bog State Natural Area

28478 West Brandenburg Road Ingleside, IL 60041

Phone: 815.344.1294

Website | Map

TRAVEL & VISITOR ALERT: VOLO BOG IS OPEN.
Please see their website for details: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.volobog.html

If you're looking for a truly unique outdoor adventure, head for Volo Bog State Natural Area in northeastern Illinois. Just 45 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County, this natural area contains Volo Bog, the only "quaking" bog in Illinois to have an open water center. Interpretive Programs for the public and groups, hiking trails, floating boardwalks, bird watching, cross-country skiing, wetlands, prairie restorations, woodlands, visitor center.

Hours of Operation

Opens daily at 8 a.m.

Jan. 19 - Dec. 7

Nature Themed Board Games A Volo Bog

01/19/25 - 12/07/25
The heat is ON! Come on by and play....

Jun. 10 - Sep. 8

Walks with a Naturalist at Volo Bog Natural Area

06/10/25 - 09/08/25
Join guided nature walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area, McHenry Dam, and M...

Jun. 14 - Aug. 9

Of Bogs and Books at Volo Bog

06/14/25 - 08/09/25
The “Of Bogs & Books” adult book discussion series will mee...

Jun. 14 - Jul. 27

Bogs in Art: Sharing the Beauty and Essence of Bogs at Volo Bog State Natural Area

06/14/25 - 07/27/25
Volo Bog State Natural Area is hosting "Bogs in Art," an art show...

Jun. 18 - Jul. 27

Volo Bog Hosts Peatland Poetry Challenge Ahead of International Bog Day

06/18/25 - 07/27/25
In celebration of Bogs and Fens, Volo Bog State Natural Area is accepting s...

Jun. 20 - Aug. 23

Guided Tours of Volo Bog

06/20/25 - 08/23/25
Explore one of Illinois’ most unique natural areas on a free guided t...

Jun. 21 - Sep. 6

Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area

06/21/25 - 09/06/25
Join experienced birders for a morning walk through the diverse habitats of...

Jun. 21 - Oct. 18

Cycling Without Age: Free Trishaw Rides for Seniors in McHenry

06/21/25 - 10/18/25
Enjoy the breeze and natural beauty of McHenry Dam State Park on a free tri...

Jun. 27 - Sep. 6

Wildflower Walks at Volo Bog

06/27/25 - 09/06/25
Join naturalists Abby Winters and Mary Colwell for a series of Wildflower W...

Jun. 28 - Aug. 16

Kayak or Canoe with a Naturalist at Moraine Hills

06/28/25 - 08/16/25
Join naturalist Mary for a guided paddle on Lake Defiance, a high-quality g...

Jul. 1 - Jul. 29

Small Wonders Series at Volo Bog State Natural Area

07/01/25 - 07/29/25
Children ages 4 to 8 (with an adult) are invited to join naturalist Ms. Abb...

Jul. 23 - Aug. 2

Wetland Botany at Volo Bog State Natural Area

07/23/25 - 08/02/25
Explore wetland plants inside and outside the bog with naturalist Stacy Iwa...

Jul. 27

International Bog Day at Volo Bog State Natural Area

07/27/25
Celebrate International Bog Day with live music, art, and nature at the Vol...

Aug. 9

Nature Journal Walks at Moraine Hills State Park

08/09/25
A mixed media Nature Journal Walk will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturd...