Every spring, Dekalb County bursts into motion with the Prairie Fest, a hands-on adventure into the landscape that shaped Illinois. The festival centers around the proud tallgrass prairies that have endured here for centuries, challenging visitors to engage directly with a landscape that’s fiercely itself—open, wild, and ever shifting with the seasons.

Located just outside the city of Dekalb, the Prairie Fest offers a series of trails ranging from easy 1-mile loops to moderate 3-mile hikes, winding through prairie expanses, woodlands, and along marsh edges. Elevation changes are minimal, pegged at roughly 50 feet over the longest routes, but terrain varies from firm grass paths to softer, occasionally uneven soils where native plants rise defiantly. These prairies don’t yield easily; the grasses sway with a personality, the wildflowers nod knowingly, and every breeze seems to speak of endurance.

Approaching the trailheads, the tall grasses dare you to step carefully, their rustling a quiet accompaniment to bird calls that punctuate the air. Butterflies flit with restless energy, while insects buzz with visible determination. The natural world here feels alive, watching and waiting, not simply a backdrop but an active partner in the experience. The woods bordering some paths offer shelter from the sun but remind you with gnarled roots and dense shade that you are a visitor on nature’s terms.

Practically, this isn’t a trek demanding expert skill, but being prepared improves your experience. Durable hiking shoes with good grip are recommended as the grass and soil can become slick with morning dew or after rain. Carry water—at least 1 liter per person—to stay hydrated, as prairie winds can accelerate dehydration unnoticed. The festival typically runs in early May, optimal for viewing wildflowers and fresh greenery, but also a time when pollen levels are high, so allergy prep is wise.

Timing your visit for morning or late afternoon enhances your chance for cooler air and softer light that brings out the subtle colors of native plants. Midday can be bright and warm with little shade, so plan accordingly.

Besides the trails, Prairie Fest features demonstrations, guided walks led by knowledgeable naturalists, and opportunities to learn about prairie restoration efforts. These elements add context and depth to your hike, connecting your boots-on-the-ground experience to the bigger picture of conservation and ecosystem resilience.

Whether you come as a casual explorer or a seasoned hiker, Dekalb County Prairie Fest welcomes you to engage with a landscape that remains defiant and unyielding. The experience is practical, accessible, and infused with the natural rhythms of the prairie—an adventure grounded in reality but alive with discovery.