Prairie

This is a tallgrass prairie in the summer of 1673. The Grand Prairie once covered most of the northern two-thirds of Illinois. Early European explorers and settlers were amazed by the seemingly endless sea of grasses and wildflowers—some so tall that a man on horseback could ride through unseen. This reconstruction is based on historic records, archaeological evidence, and studies of the geology and ecology of the Grand Prairie Division of central Illinois.
Visit the Museum's Prairies in Illinois Web exhibit to learn more.