Frentress Log Cabin
This historic log cabin was originally located on the Illinois side of the Mississippi on a backwater called Frentress Lake, which has been a resort area for the last 100 years. The cabin pre-dates the resort and was possibly a fur-traders post.
Wetlands
In our Wetland you will find a wide variety of wildlife and plant life. The wildlife varies from season to season and year to year. You may find the following in wetlands: muskrats, beavers, woodchucks, Canada geese, turtles, fish, blue herons, frogs, tadpoles, and a variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects. Guests can stroll the boardwalk and stop to feed the fish!
Wetlands play a vital role in supporting migratory wildlife by providing essential stopover habitats for birds and other species during their long journeys. These ecosystems offer shelter, food, and breeding grounds, helping maintain biodiversity. Wetlands are important for recreation which contribute to local economies and well-being. Beyond their ecological and recreational value, wetlands are natural flood control systems, absorbing excess rainwater and slowing down runoff, thereby reducing the risk of flooding and protecting surrounding communities. Learning from nature, humans created a Refuge (UMNWFR) from this refuge to protect its resources. It is a managed environment which gives a glimpse of the future of our relationship with nature.