Ferry Ride to Hiking at Two Rivers

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is an area made up of Illinois River views, bottomland forest, and swampland.

The refuge serves as an important stopover for hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese each fall along with bald eagles.

Also, my son loves taking the free car-ferry to Calhoun County where a large part of Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is located!

History of Two Rivers

Established in 1958 as a habitat for waterfowl and encompasses 9,225 acres of the river valley and flood plain near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois River in Calhoun County Illinois.

Trails to Hike

We parked near the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which was closed when we were there. I looked through the windows and saw displays on migratory birds and the landscape of the refuge.

Near the visitor center, there are two trails.

The trail sign includes a map of the trail at Two Rivers National Wildlife Area.

Wildlife Haven Trail

First Part of the Trail

This half-mile trail begins near the Visitor Center and starts through the prairie grass. It is a mowed path until it goes into the woods with a small hill. It is an easy walk with my son Andrew. We went by large grasses before heading into the woods.

Pointing out the flaky sycamore tree to Andrew.

Forest Section

Some trees were marked here so we learned the differences between maples and sycamores. I showed him the flaky bark of a sycamore tree.

We gathered some walnuts when we passed by a walnut tree.

David came across an animal skeleton. We looked at the different parts and wondered how it came to its demise.

Pond by the grassland area at Two Rivers Wildlife Refuge

Pond Section

Out of the woods, we entered grassland once more near a pond. I walked near the edge scaring away frogs. A few lily pads with white flowers could be seen along with other water plants. After passing the pond the trail winded its way back to the visitor center.

Final Thought

Going by a small forest, grassland and swampy pond allowed us to experience a few different biomes in a short amount of time.

Prairie Adventure Trail

This half-mile trail also starts by the visitor center and goes through more tallgrass prairie. A photography blind is along this trail to help gain wildlife photos.

Trail through the praire — The trail through the prairie

From Jan. 1 to Oct. 15 you can continue further to the refuge levee.

Swan lake was grown over with water plants when we were there with water in the distance.

Swan lake Levee Trail

Further up the road is a levee trail along Swan Lake. This levee runs the length of the lake at about seven miles.

The levee divides the backwater area from the Illinois River. Here you can see waterfowl and bald eagles in the winter.

The levee trail is closed each fall from Oct. 15- Dec. 31 to provide sanctuary for migratory birds.

Entering the levee trail from the parking lot.

Gilbert Lake Trail of Two River National Wildlife Refuge

A three-mile gravel trail goes along the Illinois River shoreline. This trail is located across the river from Swan Lake and the visitors center and involves taking the Illinois river ferry back to the other side.

Swampland at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Walking from the small parking area we passed by swamps to our right and left. We looked for turtles and frogs in the water.

Brussels Ferry by the shoreline on the left with the Illinois River hills in the distance. — Brussels ferry by the shoreline on the left with the Illinois River hills in the distance.

Then the trail comes to the Illinois River. If you look to your left you can watch the Brussels Ferry take vehicles back and forth across the Illinois River. There was a small trail leading down to the water’s edge for better views. My son enjoyed watching the ferry ply the river.

We walked a little farther down before heading back.

He was not up for doing the full length. As we headed back we spent more time checking out the swamps. He found a long stick that he took home.

The Gilbert Lake Division is closed each fall Oct. 15-Dec. 31 to provide sanctuary for migratory birds.

DETAILS:

Drive to Swan Lake Area: Take I-270 East to the MO-367 North exit. Stay on 367 N until you cross the Clark Bridge into Alton, Illinois.

Turn left onto Lewis and Clark Blvd and travel to HWY 100. Turn left at the traffic light onto HWY 100. Travel west 17 miles on Highway 100 (passing through the town of Grafton), then cross the Illinois River using the Brussels Ferry.

Continue 4 miles, then turn right onto Hagen Road, continue on Hagen Road which turns into Wildlife Conservation Road, follow signs to the Refuge headquarters.

There is no fee for the Brussels Ferry, which is operated 24 hours per day by the Illinois Department of Transportation, although it can be closed due to flooding. Go to the Illinois Department of Transportation for more information.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 121 Main St, Brussels, IL 62013

Drive to Gilbert Lake: Travel the National Scenic Byway (Illinois State Highway 100) to Gilbert Lake, which is adjacent to Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County, Illinois. An overlook/highway pull-off is available along Hwy 100 between the Brussels Ferry and Pere Marquette State Park.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Address: 16201 IL-100, Grafton, IL 62037

Lunch Break

Taking back homemade cinnamon rolls was one of the highlights of the hike.

Illinois Riverdock Restaurant

Lunch was takeout from the Riverdock restaurant in Hardin. We had Mississippi Rockslide pie, catfish nuggets, pork tenderloin, and sweet potato chips along with cinnamon rolls for the next morning’s breakfast. I would recommend all these on the menu.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday-Tuesday

Address: 501 S Park St, Hardin, IL 62047