Go Birding: Local Parks & Popular Spots

(For a list of mobility-friendly spots, scroll down.)

Urbana Park District:

Busey Woods & Crystal Lake Park
- Anita Purves Nature Center
- Busey Woods checklist
- See a map of Crystal Lake Park, showing the ‘magic bridge’ and other birding landmarks.
Meadowbrook Park
- Meadowbrook Park checklist
Perkins Road Marsh
Weaver Park

Preserves and Facilities:

Join Birdnotes to get the latest local bird sightings.

See a Google map of locations that are commonly mentioned on Birdnotes:

Want expert tips for identifying birds? Watch these videos by Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

For further information about the accessibility of these sites, please contact them directly.

Meadowbrook Park:
- Features a paved trail that runs through prairie, along woodland edges, and near creeks.
Crystal Lake Park & Busey Woods:
- Watch the feeders from inside Anita Purves Nature Center.
- The ‘magic bridge’ is right next to a parking lot, and has both steps and a ramp. (See a map of Crystal Lake Park, showing the ‘magic bridge’ and other birding landmarks frequently mentioned on Birdnotes.)
- The Lakehouse is a good place to see swallows in the summer.
- A paved sidewalk runs from the nature center to Crystal Lake park along the west side of the pool.

Lake of the Woods:
- Buffalo Trace prairie has a paved trail.
- The Botanical Gardens also have a paved trail through a portion of the gardens.
Homer Lake:
- Watch the feeders from inside the Interpretive Center.
- A paved trail runs from the parking lot at the Interpretive Center to a prairie restoration.
- Enjoy a driving tour of the preserve, and watch for birds on the lake, in the wetland, and other areas of the preserve.
River Bend:
- Possibility Pier is accessible.