Elmhurst in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Elmhurst Great Western Prairie

History

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 15, 2025

1. The Elmhurst Great Western Prairie Marker

Inscription. The Elmhurst Great Western Prairie is one of only a few remaining remnant prairies. Although much northern Illinois prairie has disappeared, this six-acre parcel of land has survived development because of its location situated between two railroad lines: the Great Western Freight Line on the north boundary, and the Chicago-Aurora and Elgin electric commuter line on the south (now known as the Illinois Prairie Path). This land was acquired by the Elmhurst Park District in the 1970s and remains a preserved example of Illinois natural history.

Erected by Elmhurst Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 41° 53.146′ N, 87° 57.286′ W. Marker is in Elmhurst, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is at the intersection of Prairie Path Lane and Berkley Avenue on Prairie Path Lane. The marker is alongside the Illinois Priaire Path. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elmhurst IL 60126, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Think Globally. Act Locally. (here, next to this marker); Wildlife (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Prairie

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(about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elmhurst and Salt Creek: History at a Glance (approx. 0.4 miles away); Villa Park Historical Museum (approx. ¾ mile away); The Great Western Trail (approx. ¾ mile away); Villa Historic Landmark District (approx. ¾ mile away); Bicentennial Fountain (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elmhurst.

Regarding The Elmhurst Great Western Prairie. The six-acre Elmhurst Great Western Prairie was renamed in 2024 after Keith A. Olson, a local preservation advocate.

Also see . . .
1. Railroads and Prairie: A Lesson in Irony.

Excerpt: "While most of the prairie had been tilled under to make way for massive farming operations, the land along railroad easements remained untouched by the plow. Long, narrow strips of native prairie grasses could be found, growing and thriving, along railroad tracks. In fact, the proliferation of grasses in these prairie remnants was so robust that scientists were able to collect seeds for replanting."

(Submitted on January 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 15, 2025

2. The Elmhurst Great Western Prairie Marker

The marker is to the left of the kiosk.

2. Elmhurst Park District: Keith A. Olson Prairie.

Excerpt: "In 2024, the prairie was renamed the Keith A. Olson Prairie to honor one of its biggest advocates and stewards. Over the course of nearly 50 years, Olson dedicated countless hours of volunteerism to the prairie."

(Submitted on January 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

3. Illinois Prairie Path official site. (Submitted on January 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,054 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.