Nahant Marsh preserve is one of the largest urban wetlands on the Upper Mississippi River. It is home to over 150 species of birds; more than 400 species of plants; and a wide variety of mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, including several rare and endangered species The trails, dock, and bird blind at Nahant Marsh allow you to experience different habitats including:
Wet prairie meadow
Mesic prairie
Sand prairie
Open water habitat
Floodplain forest
Vernal pond
Nahant Marsh Rules
• Preserve hours are sunrise to sunset.
• All pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
While you are here, we hope you enjoy the following activities:
• Picnicking in shelters
• Hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing on trails
• Biking on paved surfaces
• Wildlife viewing and photography
For your safety and for the well-being of the organisms that live here, the following activities are prohibited:
• Collecting of plants, animals, or other substances
• Mushroom hunting
• Littering or dumping of debris
• Fishing or Hunting (fishing is permitted from the catwalk on Wapello Avenue only)
• Swimming or wading
• Boating, canoeing, or kayaking
• Unauthorized motor vehicles
• Alcoholic beverages
• Firearms, dangerous ordinance, fireworks, and air guns
• Open fires
• Camping
Thank you for your cooperation in protecting Nahant Marsh!