Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary Hike

Hike nature trails through woods, along a small creek, and through prairie grass at H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary.

The 203-acre wildlife sanctuary is a mile north of Hillsboro, Ill. It includes a wide variety of habitats such as oak-hickory uplands, wooded ravines, and grasslands.

Wildlife that makes their home here include white-tail deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits along with many songbirds. Numerous ponds here serve as homes to amphibians, turtles, snakes, and insects.

*Map of the trails at Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary*

OUR TIME HERE

We parked by the Education Barn, which is original to the farm, and where they do programs. Nearby there is an information board about activities at the nature sanctuary. You can find trail maps in the mailbox in front of the barn.

Starting the Prairie Trail

We headed south of the barn along the Prairie Trail passing by a small pond to the north.

This area is home to many species of native grasses and wildflowers.

A viewing platform was along this trail near the woods.

Turkey Trail

We headed downhill on Turkey Trail which went into the woods with views of Cress Creek below.

At the bottom, we walked along a spur trail to the Pipeline Trail.

A new cement low-water bridge leads to a wetland across the creek.

We took a moment to check out the creek with small rapids. A tall tree with white roots leans into the creek. (main photo)

*Signs throughout the walk help to guide you in the right direction.*

Up the Pipeline Trail

We headed up the Pipeline Trail following the small bird boxes. that provide nesting opportunities come spring.

It is a wide trail, but a bit muddy from recent rain.

Timber Trail

At the top, we hung right and headed into the woods along the Timber Trail. My son Andrew liked heading back through the woods. We crossed a wooden bridge.

Then came to Turtle Pond.

“Where are the turtles,” he asked looking into the leaf-filled pond.

I explained to him that they were hibernating this time of year since it was winter.

Next, we crossed a covered bridge.

Then headed up by grasslands on our left and woods on our right.

In the woods, there were areas for gatherings. I assumed for school groups from nearby Hillsboro.

A tall stone silo came into view. An information sign explained that the silo once stored grain but was now home to barred owls who build nests inside for their young.

Back by the Barn

Near the barn, I came across a loving carved bench with an owl on one side and a cardinal on the other in memory of the steward of the nature sanctuary.

We took a moment to have some snacks and water before heading out.

Final thoughts

I liked how the trails go through different natural biomes from prairie to woods to wetlands by a creek, it provided a wide variety of habitats.

Another nice feature was informational signs along the trails where you can learn about the trees and what they provide the wildlife and even people.

Such as a black oak tree has acorns that are an important food source for wildlife and the tree itself is a shelter for birds, squirrels, and insects.

NOTE: The trails seem to go all over the place, but it is not a large area with lots of open spaces, so you can’t get too lost.

*A plain map of the area without the topography.*

MORE TRAILS

Bluebird Trail

The longest trail here is two miles and goes along the back of the property. We did not have time to check it out that day but might do it in the future.

White Oak Trail

It heads out from the Pipeline Trail to a point and ends in a small circle and then you head back along the same trail.

Arches Rail Trail

At the front of Bremer Sanctuary is parking for the 2.2-mile Arches Trail, 4.4 miles total there back, on a former rail line. The trail leads to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Butler, Il.

Named for two pre-Civil War limestone bridges that cross two creeks along the trail.

*Doors on a sanctuary building even provide information about wildlife.*

History of the Sanctuary

Given to the Illinois Audubon Society in 1977 by Helen and Betty Bremer, who wished to preserve the farm which had been in their family since 1857. William Henry Bremer came to the United States with his family from Hanover, Germany, in 1850. He acquired 50 acres north of Hillsboro by land grant, and in 1857 he built a homestead.

*Benches along the trail allow for breaks*

DETAILS

Drive: A little over an hour’s drive from downtown St. Louis on Interstate 55. You might a right turn at Exit 52 in Litchfield onto Illinois Highway 16. Make a left on Steward Street and then circle around the Litchfield Courthouse to go north onto Main Street/ Highway 1. After crossing a creek look for the sanctuary entrance on your left. It is a narrow gravel road and you pass by some houses before entering the sanctuary.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Address: 194 Bremer Ln, Butler, IL 62015