About Arlington Wetlands

Located just west of I-255 in Pontoon Beach, IL, this restored American Bottoms wetland may appear nondescript from the roadside but make your way down to the entrance of Arlington Wetland’s 1-mile nature trail and you will quickly realize what makes this site so remarkable. The trail itself unfolds at the basin of an 83-acre remnant oxbow lake—a relic of a former river bend—where the Mississippi River once flowed. Today, the site functions as a protected and unmitigated habitat for native wildlife and for is also used for stormwater storage, clean water, and public recreation.

A floating boardwalk intersects the lake, allowing visitors to step into this rich ecosystem with little trace, to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, or partake in some photography or birding. If you are fortunate enough, you might even catch a glimpse of a young turtle on or near one of the many lily pads that cover the lake’s surface. For those looking for an “interactive experience,” be sure to stop and read the informational placards posted along the boardwalk and throughout Arlington Wetlands, which offer fantastic background information on the American Bottom, wetland restoration, and related facts and figures.

Venture to the other end of the boardwalk to continue your hike through Arlington Wetland’s nature trail. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees enclose the natural-surface pathway… and do not be surprised if you spot a cactus or two! The path itself quickly splits into different directions, but fret not, for all the routes are short, flat, and looped. No matter which route you take, you will find yourself appreciating the beauty of Arlington Wetlands and the peace and stillness that it accentuates.