Watch the sunset over Lake Renwick, an Illinois nature preserve

By Tracy J. Obrien Last updated Sep 2, 2022

Posted in Illinois
Nature September 01, 2022
by Jennifer

All over the country – from open rural landscapes to dramatic mountain peaks, desert dunes, island shores and everything in between – one can find truly spectacular sunsets. The evening’s vibrant and dramatic performances have inspired poets, couples and adventurers for ages. Now they now fill our feeds with wanderlust photos and invite explorers to exciting new vantage points. The Prairie State might not be a priority when most people think of where to find the best sunsets in the country, but we’re pretty proud of it! For an unexpected spot to bask in some of Illinois’ most beautiful sunset angles, Lake Renwick Nature Preserve has all the dreamy color, natural beauty, and peace and quiet you could ask for.

The 200-acre Lake Renwick in Plainfield, IL is most commonly known for its colony of herons and for the several small islands that dot the lake and are used by egrets, herons and other breeding bird species.

The entire Renwick Lake Preserve is 839 acres and was acquired by the Will County Forest Preserve District in the late 1980s. The Preserve consists of three areas: Copley Nature Park, Heron Rookery Nature Preserve and access to Turtle Lake.

Large birds rest on man-made nesting towers at Lake Renwick in Illinois — In addition to the wooded shoreline and beautiful trails to explore by day, you’ll find tall nesting platforms overlooking the area where hundreds of birds can rest.

When you visit, you are sure to see many of the reserve’s feathered inhabitants! Dozens of bird species of all shapes and sizes have been seen flocking to the reserve, including American white pelicans, great egrets, blue herons…even occasionally bald eagles! Songbirds and waterfowl are also abundant here.

The reserve attracts many bird enthusiasts and has been named one of the best places in Illinois for birdwatching. Luckily, you’ll find a few telescopes along the trails for a closer look at some of the area’s more reclusive wildlife.

Also keep an eye at eye level! Deer, rabbits, unique insects, beautiful wildflowers and more fill the reserve.

Blue sunset over Lake Renwick in Illinois — But what you might be surprised to learn is that Lake Renwick is more than a bird’s paradise. It’s also surprisingly idyllic at sunset.

With so many settings to explore and choose from, each slice of the reserve offers countless spots to watch the sun make its colorful descent. The varied habitat areas, including wetlands as well as grassy and wooded areas, also make Lake Renwick a fantastic place to watch the changing seasons and see how the sky lights up differently throughout the year. .

Cattails along a lake shore nature preserve are backlit by the sun — The decorations are magnificent!

And the waterfront views are absolutely picture perfect.

Blue and Orange Sunset at Lake Renwick in Illinois — Since Lake Renwick is open daily until sunset during its visitor season, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap that post-worthy photo, enjoy the sounds of nature for the evening, and enjoy enjoy all the beauty that makes life in Illinois. so special.

Please note that while Renwick Lake Nature Reserve is open year-round, the colony area is closed except for guided tours during nesting season. Keep an eye on the Lake Renwick Nature Reserve Facebook page for updates and times.

We are so lucky to have so many nature reserves in our state and so much diverse natural beauty to explore! Where is your favorite place to enjoy an Illinois sunset?

Looking for more unexpected things to do in the Prairie State? Check out some of our favorite nature centers in Illinois. Or how about a road trip to some of the best hidden gems in the Illinois countryside?

Address: Lake Renwick, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA

Watch the sunset over Lake Renwick, an Illinois nature preserve

Related posts: