Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve
A unique wetland preserve featuring a boardwalk trail, rich wildlife, and the rare cypress firefly.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique wetland preserve featuring a boardwalk trail, rich wildlife, and the rare cypress firefly.
"A beautiful, unique trail along a dock in a bog, offering abundant wildlife diversity."
Check Weather Before You Go
Trails and roads can flood after heavy rain. Plan your visit accordingly! :umbrella:
Slippery When Wet!
The boardwalk can be very slippery after rain or in icy conditions. Wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wetland Boardwalk Trail
Main trail
Experience the unique ecosystem from a raised boardwalk, offering close-up views of flora and fauna.
Abundant Wildlife Diversity
Throughout the preserve
Spot eagles, owls, deer, diverse insects, and frogs in this rich natural habitat.
Rare Cypress Firefly Habitat
Wetlands
Discover the northernmost recorded location of the rare cypress firefly.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wetland Wonders
Navigating the Boardwalk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather Before You Go
Trails and roads can flood after heavy rain. Plan your visit accordingly! :umbrella:
Slippery When Wet!
The boardwalk can be very slippery after rain or in icy conditions. Wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe: +1
Dog-Friendly Limitations
The grated sections of the boardwalk are not dog-friendly. :dog: +1
Birding Paradise
Excellent spot for birdwatching, especially in the morning. Bring binoculars! :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather Before You Go
Trails and roads can flood after heavy rain. Plan your visit accordingly! :umbrella:
Slippery When Wet!
The boardwalk can be very slippery after rain or in icy conditions. Wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe: +1
Dog-Friendly Limitations
The grated sections of the boardwalk are not dog-friendly. :dog: +1
Birding Paradise
Excellent spot for birdwatching, especially in the morning. Bring binoculars! :bird:
Hidden Gem Status
A beautiful, unique, and often overlooked spot for nature lovers. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve for its unique boardwalk trail and abundant wildlife diversity, offering a different hiking experience. Some note that the grated sections of the boardwalk aren't dog-friendly, and heavy rains can lead to flooded trails and access roads, requiring caution.
"This place is great!! Stunning scenery along the trail. We saw all kinds of wild life!! The boardwalk is a really cool way to walk through a wetland. It's a different experience from your normal type of hike. Really fun."
david dearth
"Lovely preserve, we went pretty late in the season so most of the flowers were gone but we saw a lot of mushrooms. There is a pathway, part made with raised boards and part made with grates, the grates are not dog friendly."
Christy Hayes
"We went and the road was flooded (very thankful we parked along the road and walked up instead of trying to go through the water with my sedan) and so was the trail. It looked super awesome though and we're excited to go on the trail in the future! PSA to not visit right after a bunch of rains."
Kaiti Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located in Monroe County, Indiana. While specific directions can vary, it's often accessed via local roads. Be aware that roads can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions before you drive. Parking is sometimes available along the road if the main access is flooded.
Public transport options are limited in this more rural area. It's generally recommended to travel by car.
Local roads are the primary access. Travelers have noted that some roads can become impassable when flooded, so it's wise to have an alternative route or be prepared to park and walk.
The preserve is near Bloomington, Indiana, and is managed by the Sycamore Land Trust. It's a bit of a hidden gem, so GPS or map services are your best bet. 
If the road is flooded, park safely along the roadside and walk up to the preserve entrance. This is a common strategy for visitors who encounter high water.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve is generally free to enter, as it's a public nature preserve managed by Sycamore Land Trust.
Nature preserves are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check with Sycamore Land Trust for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
No advance booking is required. As a nature preserve, it's open for public access without the need for tickets.
Sycamore Land Trust occasionally hosts events or surveys at their preserves. Keep an eye on their official channels for any announcements.
Consider donating to Sycamore Land Trust, the organization that manages and conserves the preserve.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary trail is a unique boardwalk that winds through the wetland, offering an immersive experience. It's part raised board and part grate. +1
Expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including eagles, owls, deer, various insects, and frogs. Rare species like the cypress firefly have also been recorded here. +1
Yes, it offers a unique hiking experience on its boardwalk trail. It's a relatively easy walk, but the surface can be challenging when wet.
Dogs are generally allowed, but the grated sections of the boardwalk are not suitable for them. Keep them on a leash and be mindful of the trail surface. :dog: +1
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear, especially if the ground is wet. Layers are recommended as weather can change. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers unique perspectives of the wetland ecosystem. Look for wildlife, interesting plant life, and the interplay of light through the trees, especially during fall.
Yes, it's a great spot for birding and photography. Eagles and owls have been spotted, though they might be distant. Bring a telephoto lens if possible.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the serene atmosphere and wildlife.
Drone usage is typically restricted in nature preserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. Always check local regulations before flying. :camerawithflash:
During spring, the chorus of Spring Peeper frogs is a unique auditory and potentially photographic subject. The rare cypress firefly is also a notable species.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the grated sections of the boardwalk are not suitable for strollers or young children who might wander. Also, due to potential flooding after rain, it's wise to have a backup plan or check conditions beforehand. The abundance of wildlife sightings, from frogs to birds, will likely captivate younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
+1Bring your binoculars and camera to capture the beauty of the preserve. While the trail is unique, remember it can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is a must. The preserve's commitment to conservation means you're experiencing a thriving natural habitat.
📸 Photographers
+1This is an ideal location for capturing wildlife photography, from insects and amphibians to birds and potentially larger mammals. While some wildlife may be distant, the unique environment provides ample subjects. Be prepared for varying light conditions and the possibility of damp surfaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wetland Ecosystem
The boardwalk is the central feature, allowing visitors to traverse the wetland without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. It's constructed with both wooden planks and grated sections, providing a unique perspective on the water and vegetation below. While offering an intimate experience with nature, it's important to note that the grated areas are not suitable for pets, and the entire boardwalk can become slippery when wet or icy.
This preserve is also significant for its role in conservation, being the northernmost recorded location for the rare cypress firefly. This discovery highlights the ecological importance of Beanblossom Bottoms and the ongoing efforts by organizations like the Sycamore Land Trust to protect such vital habitats.
Wildlife Encounters and Photography
The best times for wildlife viewing are typically during the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active. The unique wetland environment also supports a vast array of insects and amphibians, contributing to the preserve's vibrant ecosystem. Photographers will find the boardwalk provides excellent vantage points, allowing for close-up shots of flora and fauna. The golden hour light in the morning and evening can create stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the fall when the foliage is vibrant.
+1While the preserve is a fantastic place for spotting wildlife, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Motion-triggered cameras have even captured footage of bobcats in the area, showcasing the preserve's wilder inhabitants.
Navigating Trail Conditions and Access
A significant factor to consider is the impact of weather. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooded trails and access roads, making it difficult or impossible to reach the preserve by car. Visitors have reported needing to park along the road and walk up when the main access is inundated. It's crucial to check local weather and road conditions before your visit, especially after periods of significant rain.
Furthermore, the boardwalk surface can become very slippery when wet or icy. This poses a hazard, particularly in cooler months or after rain. Wearing appropriate non-slip footwear is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit