Forest Park Nature Center
5809 Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights, IL 61614
309-686-3360
JD Russell, Manager
jdrussell@peoriaparks.org
Get to Forest Park Nature Center by bus using CityLink route #2
Nestled in the beautiful forested bluffs of the Illinois River, visitors to this unique 540-acre Nature Center and Preserve will experience the natural realm of Illinois, where they will find:
- Seven miles of hiking trails through both forested woodlands and prairie openings
- A natural history museum and a viewing room for watching birds
- The Trailhead Nature Store with books and unique nature items
- A variety of musical and educational programs
- Over 500 acres of dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve
Hours
Nature Center - open year round
M-Sa 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Su 1:00-5:00 pm
Trails - Open year round; some wheelchair accessible trails.
Daily Dawn to Dusk
| The Nature Center is proud to be a site along the |  |
Find Out More About the Nature Center inside "Tracks and Trails"
Forest Park Nature Center publishes a bimonthly newsletter, Tracks and Trails, that has complete listings of free public programs, special events, classes, membership opportunities, nature related articles and new arrivals at the Trailhead Nature Store.
You can receive a complimentary Tracks and Trails by visiting the Nature Center. If you would like to receive a free copy by mail, contact us with your name and address.
Facility Rentals
Forest Park Nature Center facility offers the perfect meeting place at an affordable price. The beautiful "A-frame" building will add rustic charm to events ranging from business meetings to weddings. Facility rental includes:
- Seating for up to 70 people for presentations (up to 56 if tables are used)
- Use of slide projector, overhead projector and large screen
- Use of VCR and monitor
- Use of a 100 cup coffee pot
- Use of up to 7 eight foot tables
- Attendant to open building and assist with lights, etc.
The Trailhead Nature Store
This unique nature store has some of the area’s best selection of nature-related merchandise. We carry a full line of birdfeeders, premium birdseed, birdhouses, books on nature and the environment (including an extensive line of field guides), recycled fiber clothing, tree-free note cards, hiking sticks, nature inspired jewelry, organic chocolate and coffee, and a variety of other environmentally friendly bath and body products. All purchases at the Trailhead Nature Store directly support the Nature Center.
Become a Hundred Mile Hiker
Will your next hike at Forest Park Nature Center count towards a special incentive gift? Join our Hundred Mile Hiker Club and after completing 100 miles receive a special T-shirt, then register to receive an exclusive, fully embroidered Hundred Mile Hiker Patch at 250 miles. After completing 250 miles, you are eligible to register for 500 miles to receive a lapel pin. Registration fees are $5 and are payable at the Trailhead Nature Store.
Join C.O.R.E.
We invite you to support Forest Park Nature Center by joining our C.O.R.E. group. C.O.R.E. stands for Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts. Your contributions not only help in the protection of the Park District's natural areas, but you also receive the following membership benefits.
Membership benefits include:
- 1-year subscription to our bi-monthly Tracks and Trails newsletter
- 10% discount in the Trailhead Nature Store
- Reduced fees for Nature Center classes
- Invitations to members-only events
- Discounts at over 150 nature centers throughout the U.S.
Membership Levels
Endowment - $100+
Supporting - $75
Contributing - $50
Family- $25;
Individual- $20
Senior- $15
Student- $15