As Mother Nature awakens from her winter slumber, she brings forth a profusion of spring flowers and other scenic splendors. Our real estate agents share some of their favorite spots to experience spring around Belleville homes for sale.

Best Places to View Spring Flowers and Scenery Near Belleville, IL

Eckert's Tulip Trail - Belleville, IL

Address: Eckert's Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mt. Rd., Belleville, IL 62220

With 300,000 tulips in a dazzling variety of colors, Eckert's Tulip Trail may seem as though it's transplanted directly from the Netherlands. Get ready to snap some Instagram-worthy photos as you enjoy a scenic wagon ride out to the fields. When it's lunchtime, stop by the on-site restaurant and finish with a treat from the bakery.

Other attractions and events connected with the Tulip Trail include:

• A seasonal bar where you can partake in refreshing beverages
• Paint & Sip from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Thursday, 4/9
• Hot Air Balloons from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 4/11

Visit the website for the full schedule and prices.

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve - Edwardsville, IL

Address: 4207 Bohm School Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve, located only minutes from Edwardsville homes for sale, is notable as one of three remaining old-growth forests in the region. Visitors prefer the Nature Preserve Loop, an easy 1.7-mile hike that affords views of trilliums, trout lilies, and large-flowered bellwort.

As a bonus, you may spot wildlife along the way, such as:

• White-tailed deer
• Flying squirrels
• Foxes

Hours are sunrise to sunset daily. Leashed dogs are welcome.

The Gardens at SUIE

Address: 6 Arboretum Ln., Edwardsville, IL 62026

The Gardens at SUIE serves as a 36-acre outdoor classroom and research center that's also open to the public. Take Fido along the half-mile walking path that winds through an impressive variety of native trees and plants and crosses a wooden bridge spanning Turtle Pond.

Themed gardens on the grounds include:

• Butterfly garden
• English cottage garden
• Wind sculpture garden
• Prairie garden
• Japanese garden

The Gardens at SUIE are open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, and admission is free.

Centennial Park - Swansea, IL

Address: 300 N. Belt E., Swansea, IL 62226

Nature lovers head to Centennial Park to take in the beauty and serenity of being in the country, even though they're right down the street from Swansea homes for sale. The one-mile loop trail passes beneath lush tree canopies that enhance the quiet, peaceful ambiance. Interpretive signage provides helpful information about the trees and wildlife as well as the history of the dog-friendly park.

Kids love the Richard L. Schobert Nature Playground, with fun features such as:

• Log balance beam
• Climbing boulder
• Crawl-through log

Hours are 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.

Rock Springs Rotary Park - O'Fallon, IL

Address: 1428 E. 3rd St., O'Fallon, IL 62269

Plan a day-long family outing at Rock Springs Rotary Park, not far from O'Fallon homes for sale. Inner and outer trails for hiking and biking are lined with prairie grass and wildflowers. There's a playground for the little ones, BBQ grills for cookouts and picnics, and an open fire pit available for rent. Even your precious pooch can have fun romping in the onsite, off-leash dog park. 

Rock Springs Rotary Park is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

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