Written by Devlin Stalion. All images © 2024 Devlin Stalion.
Nestled on the north side of Lake Monroe, where Salt Creek enters the watershed, sits the Stillwater Marsh Waterfowl Resting Area.
For those in need of a little nature therapy, this site is less than 9 miles east of downtown Bloomington, Indiana, but feels like a different world. This seasonal wetland provides an important habitat for a large variety of waterfowl and great for hiking, walking, birding, or simply enjoying a quiet and scenic view.
The scenery alone is worthy of a visit, but along the approximately 2.4 mile loop, you will no doubt see a variety of migratory, as well as resident, birds ranging from Mallards, Ring-necked docs, Bufflehead, Redheads, Canvasback, Black Ducks, Gadwalls, American Coots, and even Eagles.
This site is managed by the Indiana DNR, and the loop around the site is closed to foot traffic from October to April. Despite the loop being closed during that period, there are still some good views of the marsh from the road.
To get there, you can enter 8631 E. Kent Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401 into the mapping app of your choice. This will take you to the intersection of E. Kent Rd. and S. McGowan Rd. You can park anywhere along the road, as these two roads are part of the loop I recommend taking. My favorite place to park is at the large wooden bird blind found approximately 0.5 miles down S. McGowan Road.
Walk down the road from the blind and you will see an obvious entry onto the levee system that forms the marsh – it will look like a gravel road and will be blocked by bollards and chain. Simply follow the gravel road around the marsh until you get to the DNR site, then follow the road back around to your vehicle.
Below area a few images I have taken on some of my trips to the area, but be sure to check out our print shop for more. Enjoy this serene gem!
All images © 2024 Devlin Stalion.
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