Round Lake brings together a variety of experiences for a stay: At the Nippersink Nature Preserve, trails, lakes, and shore fishing take center stage; there are also museums devoted to nature and role-playing, as well as a historic icehouse. When looking for vacation rentals, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on—time outdoors, indoor nature exhibits, an attraction for children ages 1 to 6, or local history.
Nippersink: Trails and Shore Fishing
The Nippersink Nature Preserve has 3.2 miles of trails around the lakes and through adjacent woodlands. The trails are suitable for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Their route around the lakes and through nearby woods connects two types of landscape; you can choose which of the three activities to focus on based on your interests. Because trail conditions may change seasonally, check current conditions before setting out. Shore fishing is also permitted in the preserve, which has two accessible fishing piers. Check the applicable rules before fishing.
Nature Preserves and Wildlife
The two nature preserves have different highlights. At Nippersink, woodlands, wetlands, and marshes provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Singing Hills protects Monahan Lake and a wetland documented as a nesting area for Canada geese and other waterfowl. Nature enthusiasts can make a clear comparison: Nippersink offers a look at several habitat types and their role as homes for a wide variety of wildlife; Singing Hills draws attention to the protected lake and the importance of its wetland as a nesting site for waterfowl.
Museums with Different Focuses
At the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, visitors can experience nature indoors. Lifelike displays offer visitors an immersive nature experience, and admission is free. Nature Discovery Packs are also available to borrow at no charge for your next nature walk. These are separate offerings: admission covers a museum visit, while the packs can be borrowed for a walk. Check current opening hours before your visit. The Children's Neighborhood Museum has a different focus: in its child-friendly miniature town, children ages 1 to 6 can try out different roles in a community. The difference between the two museums is clear: Prairie Grass focuses on indoor nature displays and a walk afterward, while role-playing in a miniature town is the main attraction at Children's Neighborhood. The Children's Neighborhood Museum's capacity and program may change; check these details before visiting.
A Chapter in Local History
Local history adds a clearly dated example. In 1901, Armour and Company completed a five-acre icehouse in Round Lake, which was described as the largest in the world. This adds a specific chapter in Round Lake's history to its nature and museum offerings.
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