Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area

Harry Babe Woodyard State Natural Area is a large protected landscape covering over 1,100 acres along the Little Vermilion River in Vermilion County, Illinois. The property features wooded sections, riverside corridors, and open natural areas connected by hiking paths throughout the grounds.

The land was originally Camp Cherokee Hills, a scout camp operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until the state purchased it in 1996. This acquisition transformed the property into a public natural area for conservation and recreation.

The name comes from Harry Woodyard, a local farmer and longtime political figure in the region. He dedicated his career to public service and land stewardship, which inspired the naming of this space.

The site has hiking trails for different abilities and river sections where visitors can fish or explore by foot. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for spending time outdoors and spotting wildlife.

The property shelters several rare animal species found in few other places across the state. This concentration of native wildlife makes it an important location for conservation efforts in the region.