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Chouteau Nature Reserve
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Chouteau Island – Madison County, IL | 22 Acres
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: HeartLands Conservancy
Our role: Given that Chouteau Island is an important ecosystem in the Mississippi River and in the heart of the St. Louis region, HeartLands Conservancy acquired 22 acres of forest and wetlands on the Island in 2021. We own and manage this property for wildlife habitat.
Hours: We host periodic tours of the area. The property doesn’t yet contain trails for general public access given its marshy terrain and sensitive wildlife habitat.
Location & Directions
Located on Chouteau Island at the northwest corner of Chain of Rocks Road (historic Route 66) and Waterworks Road in Madison, Illinois. From IL-3, take W Chain of Rocks Road west over the Canal Bridge to Chouteau Island.
Trails & Facilities
Given the marshy terrain, as well as its sensitive nature for wildlife habitat, this site is currently only available for tours. We host periodic tours and announce them through our eNewsletter (you can sign up here). There are no trails, facilities, or parking areas available at this location.
However, there are trails, a fishing area, and the Old Chain of Rocks pedestrian bridge located nearby at Chouteau Island.
Wildlife & Habitat
Chouteau Reserve, and the larger Chouteau, Gabaret, and Mosenthein Island area, is uniquely situated in the Mississippi River just minutes north of downtown St. Louis. These islands are collectively known as “Chouteau Island.” The 10-mile length of Mississippi River that borders Chouteau Island to the west is the only natural stretch of river without barge traffic between St. Paul and New Orleans. This section of river is a very high-quality habitat, but also at high-risk. Chouteau Island is one of the few locations in the St. Louis Region with direct public access to the Mississippi River for recreation.
Habitat here consists of forested wetlands, forest, and wet prairies.
Plants of interest include cottonwoods, wild bergamot, buttonbush, maples, and willows.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Migratory and water birds, such as Bald Eagles, Great Egrets, Little Blue Herons, and Mississippi Kites are prominent on the Island. A White-Tailed Kite (very rare!) was spotted nearby in 2021.
White-tailed deer, river otters, minks, and varieties of fish are found here as well.
Regulations
The property is only accessible through guided walks hosted by the HeartLands Conservancy.
As a community-supported conservation organization, your support is important to foster the love of the land, care for the lands we own, and protect additional properties. We therefore want you to know that when you participate in our programs or visit our properties, you do so recognizing that we may use photographs or videos of program participants for educational and promotional use. By visiting our properties, you therefore acknowledge this possibility and convey consent.
Overview
Chouteau Nature Reserve
The Chouteau Nature Reserve protects a forest and marshy area on Chouteau Island. This forested land provides important resting habitat for migratory birds and a variety of other wildlife.
Once prominent along the Mississippi River, Mississippi Kites had virtually disappeared in Illinois by the late 1920s. The widespread clearcutting of forests destroyed their habiats, causing decline. Protected and restored forests are helping to restore the habitat they need to thrive. The recent return of Mississippi Kites, and the rarer White-Tailed Kite, to the Chouteau Island is a hopeful sign that when we care for the land and water, nature responds.
By conserving this rare and ecologically rich landscape, we’re not only protecting habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can connect with the Mississippi River and the wildlife it sustains.
If you would like to find out more about how to create a new public conservation area and conserve wildlife habitat, feel free to call Anna McAtee at (618) 566-4451 ex 23 or email her at an*********@*******************cy.org.
You may find information on our Land Conservation page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.