Rush Creek State Natural Area

Located north of Ferryville, the Rush Creek State Natural Area encompasses exceptional dry prairies, oak forest, and 400-foot limestone-capped bluffs. The prairies on the very steep, southwest-facing slopes hold blazing-star, compass-plant and bird's-foot violets. The north-facing hillsides are forested with red and white oak, black walnut, hickory, basswood, and sugar maple. Rush creek runs through the middle of this 2027-acre property. It harbors numerous species of songbirds during the spring and fall migrations. The steep climb to the top of the bluffs is rewarded with a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.