Wood Dale, Illinois

Nature Centers

Barrington, Illinois

History, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park

Crabtree is popular for birding. A total of 263 bird species have been observed and at least 89 species have been recorded to breed on the property. Numerous ducks and geese occur in spring and fall on Crabtree Lake. Spring wildflowers carpet the forested areas, as do summer and autumn blossoms in the meadows and prairies.
A spacious exhibit building and several miles of self-guiding, educational trails enable you to enjoy the wildlife and native plants and to learn of the vital relationships in nature which allow all of us to survive on this earth of ours.

Peoria, Illinois

Botanical Garden, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Surround yourself with spectacular displays of spring blooming bulbs or the blazing color of autumn, the Garden offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of each passing season. Established in 1951, Luthy Botanical Garden encompasses five acres and offers over a dozen theme gardens, a Conservatory, a garden gift shop educational programming, numerous events, a rotating sculpture exhibit and magnificent floral displays.

Fulton, Illinois

Botanical Garden, Children's, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park

Heritage Canyon is a 12-acre wooded structure nature walk dotted with buildings that take the visitor back to the 1800's.

Rockford, Illinois

Arboretum, Botanical Garden, Children's, Library, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre living museum filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. There's beauty in every season from fragrant magnolia trees in spring and a butterfly garden in summer to the brilliant colors of fall and snow-capped evergreens in winter.

Chicago, Illinois

Anthropology, Arboretum, Archaeology, Children's, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.

Chicago, Illinois

Natural History, Nature Centers, Science

The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum inspire people to learn about and care for nature and the environment. The institution fosters environmental learning through the exhibits and education programs of the Museum and through the Academy's collections, research, symposia, publication's, events and other activities. We build understanding of global environmental issues by interpreting the effect those issues have on the Midwest.

North Aurora, Illinois

General, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Red Oak Nature Center can be found in the midst of 40 wooded acres on the east bank of the Fox River. You’ll learn about nature’s secrets as you visit the center and explore the woods. Hike along the trails and enjoy the seasonal, ever-changing beauty of the grounds

Wheaton, Illinois

Arboretum, Art, Botanical Garden, Children's, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Library, Military

Located in Wheaton, Ill., this sprawling, 500-acre park is where families wander through nature, get lost in history, play golf at an award-winning course, attend a big band concert, tag monarch butterflies, make a snow globe, take classes, introduce children to the age-old custom of afternoon tea, attend a wide variety of special programs and events --in short, spend quality time together.

In addition to vast formal gardens and picnic and camping grounds, Cantigny offers two history-rich museums: the Robert R. McCormick Museum and the Cantigny First Division Museum, fascinating for children and researchers alike.

Geneva, Illinois

Arboretum, Art, Botanical Garden, Children's, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Nature Centers, Park

When visiting the Villa Museum, you discover the Fabyans' uniquely fascinating legacy. The Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style house contains the Fabyans' private collection of Asian artifacts, natural history specimens, original furniture- just to name a few! The captivating combination of history, architecture, military intrigue, and personal exploration is designed to make the Fabyan Villa Museum a delight for persons of all ages and backgrounds.

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Historical Society, Nature Centers

Lisle, Illinois

Anthropology, Archaeology, Library, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science, University

The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, located on campus at Benedictine University, exhibits over 3,500 specimens focused on zoology, botany, geology, and environmental stewardship. Intricate dioramas give a sense of adventure and encourages visitors to investigate nature in their own backyards. The museum offers a variety of scavenger hunts and activity pages to guide your visit.

Willow Springs, Illinois

Nature Centers

Springfield, Illinois

History, Library, Nature Centers

Joliet, Illinois

Nature Centers

River Forest, Illinois

Historic House, Natural History, Nature Centers

Nestled in one of Cook County’s richest savannahs, Trailside Museum boasts its historic presence at the Southwest corner of Thatcher and Chicago Avenues in River Forest. Built in 1874, by Abraham J. Hoffman, it was first utilized as a high class finishing school for young ladies. In 1881, it was converted to an institution for young men from broken homes. Hugh McFarlane, a wealthy carriage maker and village trustee, was a subsequent resident. In 1917, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County purchased the building and surrounding land to use as the general headquarters. Finally, in 1931, it was converted to Trailside Museum, the first of its kind in the midwest.