Gensburg-Markham Prairie Nature Preserve is a protected prairie in Markham, Illinois, with a mix of sandy-soil prairie habitats and notable native plants and birds. It offers a chance to see a landscape shaped by glacial deposits while following rules that protect its natural features.
- Location: Markham, Cook County, Illinois
- Access: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) says the larger site is open to the public from dawn to dusk
- Facilities: No bathrooms or drinking fountains
- Directions: From I-57 and Illinois Route 6, head east on 159th Street to Whipple Avenue
About the Prairie Preserve
Gensburg-Markham Prairie Nature Preserve protects several kinds of prairie and sedge meadow in Markham. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission describes the site as supporting dry-mesic, mesic and wet-mesic sand prairie, mesic prairie, and sedge meadow.
Glacial Lake Chicago left deposits of clay and sand as its waters receded at the end of the Wisconsinan glaciation. An old beach ridge crosses the preserve, shaping its varied terrain. The resulting sandy-loam prairie has characteristics of both black silt-loam prairie and true sand prairie.
Big bluestem, Indian grass and prairie dropseed are among the dominant grasses. Rare plants include grape fern, sundrop, narrow-leaved sundew and grass pink orchid. Notable nesting birds include short-billed marsh wren, bobolink, swamp sparrow and Henslow’s sparrow.
Access and What to Expect
The preserve is one of four areas open to visitors within the larger Markham Shkode Prairies site, which TNC says is open from dawn to dusk. The larger prairie cluster covers approximately 468 acres, including 358 acres managed by TNC; those figures do not describe Gensburg-Markham Prairie alone.
There are no bathrooms or drinking fountains. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, use sunscreen and take precautions against ticks. Pack out everything you bring in. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact TNC’s Markham office at markhamshkode@tnc.org or (708) 825-9369.
Conservation Rules for Visitors
Illinois rules require visitor use to avoid impairing natural conditions or threatening the preserve’s natural features. Stay on existing trails; the owner may require visitors to remain on trails, and you need permission from the custodian or owner to enter areas closed to visitation.
Do not remove plants, rocks, soil, water or other natural objects. Rules also prohibit killing, harassing or pursuing animals, taking them, or disturbing nests and habitat, except under specific permits or approved management activities.
How do you get to Gensburg-Markham Prairie from Calumet Park?
The preserve is in Markham, not Calumet Park. From the junction of I-57, the west leg of the Dan Ryan Expressway, and Illinois Route 6 (159th Street), travel east on 159th Street for about 0.6 miles to Whipple Avenue, then go north 2 blocks. The preserve is on the north side.
From Kings Inn, the preserve is about 4.0 miles away, with a drive time of 7 minutes.
When to Plan a Visit
Plan around the preserve’s dawn-to-dusk public access hours, and bring water since the site has no drinking fountains. If you want to arrange a tour or confirm practical details, contact TNC’s Markham office before setting out.
Before you go: Access details can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is Gensburg-Markham Prairie Nature Preserve?
It is in Markham, in Cook County, Illinois. The preserve is on the north side of Whipple Avenue’s area, reached from 159th Street.
What are the preserve’s opening hours?
TNC says public access to the larger Markham Shkode Prairies site is from dawn to dusk.
Are there facilities at the preserve?
No. There are no bathroom facilities or drinking fountains, so bring water and pack out what you bring in.
What should visitors avoid doing?
Do not remove natural objects, disturb wildlife or enter areas closed to visitation without permission. Stay on existing trails and follow any restrictions set by the owner.