Viewing nature up close is truly a sight to behold. Birds in particular are so small, elusive, and fly so fast and high that it can often be difficult to appreciate their beauty, let alone their existence. That’s why it’s always nice to visit a walking or hiking trail that caters to birds and their admirers. And if you’re looking for the best birdwatching trail in Lemont, Illinois, then add the trails at this nature center to your bucket list, ASAP.

The Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 111th St., is a learning space and visitor's center located within the Forest Preserves of Cook County system.
best birdwatching trail in Lemont Illinois
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
It is a birdwatching hotspot near the Sagawau Canyon Nature Preserve with four unpaved walking or hiking trails: Ridge Run Trail, Prairie Loop, Quarry Trail, and Sag Trail. In total, the trails amount to about 2.6 miles of scenic views.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
While it's perfect for human foot traffic, these trails aren't dog-friendly.
The nature center offers guided walks through its trails with a nature expert to help you see and identify the many surrounding species, like this Downy Woodpecker. According to the Chicago Audubon Society, Sagawau is home to more than 100 species of songbirds, both migrating and long-term residents.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
You can even borrow a pair of their binoculars.
The trails are surrounded by native wildflowers and plants, as well as lush trees. A hummingbird garden invites the famously fluttery birds to the area, as well as other pollinators like bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook

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And they definitely do visit! You can sometimes even participate in the Hummingbird Fest, which celebrates the annual return of the birds, as well as educates the public about them.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
These baby Eastern Bluebirds were born in the nature center's hummingbird garden.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
The adult Bluebird parents made trips to the nest to clean and feed their babies until they could fly on their own.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook
If you're lucky, you might even spy a flock of Turkey Vultures like these, high up in the bare winter trees. The trails are open year-round, but in the winter they turn into dedicated cross-country skiing trails.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Facebook

Do you think the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center has the best birdwatching trail in Lemont, Illinois? What are your favorite birds to spot while out walking or hiking? What’s still on your list to see? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by visiting the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center website and Sagawau Environmental Learning Center Facebook page. And while you’re in the charming small town of Lemont (which some say looks exactly like the town of Hawkins from Netflix’s “Stranger Things”) be sure to check out The Forge, a multi-adventure outdoor park that offers zip lines, rope courses, climbing walls, and more!

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Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 111th St, Lemont, IL 60439, USA