Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve
Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve is an old growth forest remnant set in the sinkhole plain between Millstadt and Columbia, Illinois. With 120 acres of oak-hickory forest and 75 acres of restored prairie, Stemler Cave Woods is the largest dedicated Illinois nature preserve in St. Clair County. The Homer F. Stemler Memorial Walking Trail offers over 2 miles of hiking with 12 interpretive points. Hiking level is easy to moderate. Visitors are required to stay on the trail. Pets are not permitted in the preserve. The preserve has a reference address of 2200 Stemler Road, Columbia, IL, and access to the preserve and parking are available on Stemler Road, 0.5 mile west of Triple Lakes Road. The site is owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The trail map was created by Friends of Stemler Cave Woods with data provided by Monroe County Extension Office and the Barnstormers 4-H group. Contact Friends of Stemler Cave Woods at caveandwoods@gmail.com for volunteer stewardship opportunities.
Driving Directions to the parking area and a trail may be viewed here: Driving directions to and trail map for Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve.