Looking for fun easy outdoor adventure? Make sure to add Lincoln Marsh in Wheaton on your list! The trails are not only easy, but the views of nature can’t be beat. Kids will no doubt LOVE the outdoor nature play area, Prairie Patch.
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Fun at Lincoln Marsh
Download the map
Whenever we go hiking, I always download a map if my All Trails app doesn’t work. Here’s a link to the map.
Getting started at Lincoln Marsh
Lincoln Marsh has two parking areas. The main entrance is located at Pierce and Harrison. The other is at the east end (1000 W. Lincoln Ave.) of the Marsh. I wanted to park close to the Prairie Patch Play Area so we parked here. There is not a dedicated parking lot, but visitors are able to park at the last row of the Church of Resurrection on Mondays through Saturdays.
Get hiking
During our fall visit, most of the marsh was dried up but we still had plenty of views and plenty of log climbing opportunities.
Boardwalks
I don’t know why but walking on floating boardwalks can be so much fun! (We love Volo Bog’s boardwalks!) We followed the South Marsh Trail north to the Woodland Trail to find the majority of the floating boardwalks and scenic views of the marsh.
Prairie Patch Play Area at Lincoln Marsh
I’d recommend saving the Prairie Patch area for last, or else the kids will never want to leave to hike! The Prairie Patch Play is so unbelievably cute with tons of fun things to do to help facilitate play in nature. Make a tent of out sticks, take a short walk on the trail, paint on rocks with water, hop from log to log, and so much more!
Tip: Bring books to donate at the Little Library.
Nitty Gritty:
Website: https://lincolnmarsh.org/
Location: Pierce Ave & Harrison St., Wheaton, IL
Cost: Free
Parking: Plenty of parking in the parking lot.
Crowded: We visited on a Monday afternoon and it was not too busy.
While you’re here
- Cosley Zoo is located down the street.
- Check out Downtown Wheaton. During the holidays, the town goes all out with holiday decorations and even lights at Adam Park.
- Looking for a sweet treat? Downtown Wheaton has a few options like Graham’s Chocolates, Kilwin’s, or my personal favorite Kimmer’s Ice Cream!
- Looking for food? We absolutely loved Gia Mia Pizza Bar. On Mondays, they have an awesome deal – half price pizzas.
