Rush Creek State Natural Area
Rush Creek
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.
Directions
From Ferryville, go north on Hwy 35 for 3.1 miles, then northeast on Rush Creek Road for 0.5 miles to a parking area west of the road. Cross the road and walk east on the old lane to the bluff top.
Signature Species: Turkey Vulture and Kentucky Warbler.
Seasonality: Open all year.
Parking: Parking lot on Rush Creek Road.