Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Nature reserve in Penfield, Illinois, US
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is a nature reserve and protected area in Penfield, Illinois, encompassing a stretch of the Middle Fork River along with forests, meadows, and three ponds named Willow, Cypress, and Emerald. Several marked trails cross the land, passing through oak-hickory woodland, restored prairie, and river bottom, with a campground available for overnight stays.
The land was gradually protected from farming and development over the years, driven by the local community's wish to keep it natural and open. In November 2018, the preserve became Illinois's first International Dark Sky Park.
The preserve holds a designation as an International Dark Sky Park, which means artificial lighting is kept to a minimum on purpose. Visitors often arrive after dark with telescopes to look at planets and constellations, something rarely possible this close to a city.
The preserve opens early each morning and closes half an hour after sunset, though the Dark Sky Trail and the waterfowl area stay open through the night. Trails range from short and easy to more moderate routes, and the Harry L. Swartz Campground allows visitors to stay overnight on site.
Tomlinson Cemetery, a small burial ground from the area's early settler period, sits inside the preserve within a prairie and savanna setting. Local volunteers have been caring for it for over ten years.
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