Near Hennepin, along IL Route 26, is the Wes and Sue Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, which has the Arthur A. Nolan, Jr. Observation Tower.
The refuge about 2 miles south of the village of Hennepin. Follow the signs off IL Route 26; then take a right at a split of two county roads. The road goes through a stone gate to a small parking lot. The observation tower is about 200 ft down a short path, easily visible from the parking lot.
The tower itself is an open frame type, with steel frame portions forming the shape of the tower, and four legs, and a spiral staircase up the center pole. The top square deck is made of wood.
Above and below the tower there are monoculars where people can observe the birds and wildlife. There are also signs about the wildlife and plants found there.
The view is of a reclaimed wetland, classified as a wet prairie. The wetland includes a wide, relatively shallow lake with grasses and flowers populating it. At the time of visit (Sep 2013), there were many colors including yellows, oranges and reds, in splotches across the landscape. Birds seen included great blue heron, and a small hawk or falcon. The area is a reservation administered by The Wetlands Initiative, which has several properties around.
At the base is a rock with the following text engraved in it:
"[Design of a flying duck]
Arthur A. Nolan, Jr.
Observation Tower
Arthur A. Nolan Jr. (1923-2001), a loyal husband and father and USMC Captain during the Korean War. After years as a commodities and options trader, he assumed the leadership of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation named in memory of his wife, Patricia's, uncle and aunt. He was a staunch supporter of conservation and education and his foresight had a significant impact on many organizations throughout Illinois.
His interests were many, including hunting fishing and gardening, but most notably waterfowl hunting. Although duck hunting had taken him all over the world, he always said the best duck hunting is along the Illinois River.
Arthur's passion for being in the marsh was second only to the time he spent with his family and swimming with hsi "mermaids" (his granddaughters) while being surrounded byt he magnificent gardens he created and nurtured."
The place is free of charge to visit. You can just visit the tower or you can additionally walk a half mile (one way distance, one mile round trip) trail that takes you south.
Source:
The Wetlands Initiative (Wes and Sue Dixon Waterfowl Refuge):
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visit link)