Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville, Indiana, is a 240-acre protected area recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and a State Nature Preserve. It safeguards what is described as the largest tract of virgin forest within any American city, including more than 190 acres of virgin bottomland hardwood forest and 50 acres of younger forest, field, and pond. The preserve contains exceptionally old and notable trees, supports diverse wildlife despite its urban setting, and offers trails, educational facilities, and outdoor activity spaces. A nearby land sale resolved in 2023 was widely seen as helping protect the forest’s surrounding buffer.

Evansville, Indiana · United States