Relax among stretches of serene greenery and woodlands surrounded by creeks at Beloit’s many reserves and nature centers.
Walk through 1.5 miles of trail in the oak woodlands of the Adrone Woods and be on the lookout for woodland birds. The native prairie restoration at the Cleophas Reserve is also home to 2 miles of trails and the Gabower-Reilly Reserve includes a 4-acre oak Savannah and a trout stream – East Branch Raccoon Creek.
Nature at the Confluence is a learning center and nature retreat with nature-themed fun activities for all ages! Walk through the Pollinator Garden, Sensory Garden, and Tasting Garden. You get to take in the beauty but also learn about the plants and touch, smell and taste the herbs! A learning center stands among 10-acres of restored prairie. Enjoy Scavenger Hunts, themed programs (raise monarch butterflies), and lots of community events. Roast s’mores and play a percussion instrument at the Community Fire Gathering, or hit the gravel-packed trails at the Wednesday Walkabout. Take a video tour here!
Androne Woods
7355 Cleophas Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 752-8342
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Androne Woods is 16 acres of partially restored oak woodland. There is 1.5 miles of trials with interpretive signs. The woods is home to native birds and various plants, including yellow ladyslipper, showy orchis, jack-in-the-pulpit, May apple, and Solomon's plume. There is a small parking area and no restroom facilities. It is located south of Cleophas Road, just east of Smythe School Road.
Cleophas Reserve
6690 W. Cleophas Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 752-8342
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Cleophas Reserve is a 36 acre wetland along the East Branch Raccoon Creek, north of Cleophas road and east of Barnam Road. The area is being restored to native habitat. There are 3 miles of trails. Parking is across the Cleophas Road at the Gabower Reilly Wetland. There are no restroom facilities.
Gabower-Reilly Reserve
6690 W. Cleophas Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 752-8342
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Gabower Reilly is 28 acres of wetland, prairie and oak savanna. East Branch Raccoon Creek flows through the area - a naturally reproducing trout stream. There are 2 miles of trails and numerous native plants, including asters, compass plants and prairie dock. There is a small parking area and no restroom facilities. It is located south of Cleophas Road, at the intersection with Barnam Road.
Nature at the Confluence Learning Center
306 Dickop Street
South Beloit, IL 61080
P: (815) 200-6910
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Nygren Wetland Preserve
3109 W Rockton Rd.
Rockton, IL 61072
P: (815) 964-6666
Nygren Wetland Preserve is a natural area owned and managed by Natural Land Institute with over 721 acres of prairies, wetlands, bottomland forest and Raccoon Creek that runs through it. The 2.5 mile Dianne Nora Nature Trail circles the large wetland.
Spring Creek Reserve
3488 W. Spring Creek Rd.
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 752-8342
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Spring Creek reserve is a 33 acre prairie along Spring Creek just west of Beloit. There are 2.5 miles of trails. It is home to many native plants, including cup plants and coneflowers and much big bluestem. There is a small parking area and no restroom facilities.
Welty Environmental Center
1201 Big Hill Ct.
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 361-1377
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Welty offers year round enviromental education for all ages. It is a place where both children and adults have hands-on encounters with nature.
Beloit, Wisconsin's Convention and Visitor Bureau
500 Public Ave
Beloit, WI 53511
P: (608) 365-4838
Temporary Office:
25 Eclipse Center #1
