Fifty-six miles northwest of downtown Chicago lies the 12,000 year old Volo Bog State Natural Area, home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois. Volo Bog – THE BOG – was dedicated as the 25th Illinois Nature Preserve in June, 1970. As the southern-most open water quaking bog in North America to exhibit all stages of bog succession, it was designate a National Natural Landmark in 1974.
A floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounds an open pool of water in the center of the bog. Currently, the bog itself is unaccessible due to the boardwalk closure. It will remain closed until funding be can secured for replacement. The first section into the marsh moat remains open. The other trails (5.5 miles worth) are also open. https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/VoloBog.aspx
Volo Hiking Map can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/parks/documents/volobogsitemap.pdf
I had to do some research because I didn’t know the significance of what an “Open Water, Quacking Bog” meant. The bog part means that the water is supported by a high concentration of peat. There is a floating mat of peat made from dying vegetation on the water. The fact that the mat of peat moves with the water is what gives it the ‘Quacking’ distinction. And, most bogs of its kind are covered up with plants and forest. The Volo Bog still has open water in the center. This allows a visitor to walk through the cascade of changing plant life as they approach the center of the bog.
Most of our videos are filmed in a full 360 arc, this means you should be able to use your device to move the video around and up and down. If you are having issues or if you are watching with VR goggles, click over and watch our Hike360vr playlist directly on YouTube.
Located on the border of Lake and McHenry counties, Volo Bog State Natural area is a surprisingly fun hike. I start my 5.5 mile hike at the visitor center. A hiking map of the Volo Bog can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/parks/d… To understand more about the significance of the Volo Bog, watch my “Open Water View” video and read my description: https://youtu.be/7TUNeIH4FKk
There are several loops that make up today’s hike. Since this is a wet wetland, there are several boardwalks to help you navigate it. This one is 0.5 miles and part of the Interpretive Trail. Although a portion is closed due to required Covid-19 distancing.
Poison Oak is part of the poison Sumac family and regardless of its name, you’ll want to stay away. I captured some nice video of a large patch as it looks in mid-September.
I’m silent for this video so you can hear the natural sounds while I walk through a large section of cattails. This section is part of the Tamarack View Trail.
A great view of the Bog from the Observation Tower. The Observation Tower is along the Tamarack View Trail which has a rollercoaster feel as I hike up and down the hills.
I had to do some research because I didn’t know the significance of what an “Open Water, Quacking Bog” meant. The bog part means that the water is supported by a high concentration of peat. There is a floating mat of peat made from dying vegetation on the water. The fact that the mat of peat moves with the water is what gives it the ‘Quacking’ distinction. And, most bogs of its kind are covered up with plants and forest. The Volo Bog still has open water in the center. This allows a visitor to walk through the cascade of changing plant life as they approach the center of the bog.
Living up to its name, the Prairie Ridge Trail walks along … the ridge of a Prairie.
1.1 miles along the Deer Path Trail Loop. This is next to the Tamarack View Trail but across the street.
Highly recommend the Tamarack View Trail which goes around the Volo Bog. To understand more about the significance of the Volo Bog, watch my “Volo Bog State Natural Area – Open Water View” video and read my description: https://youtu.be/7TUNeIH4FKk
More Stories
Chain O’ Lakes State Park Hike, IL
Tekakwitha – Fox River Hike, IL
Silver Springs State Wildlife Area, IL