Nature Center Hours

Mon-Sat.........9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sun..............1:00-5:00 pm

Trails: Dawn to dusk, year-round

Closed:  Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Years Day

Safety Report - from Willow Brook Wildlife

Environmental Education at Forest Park
Traveling Naturalist

Our naturalists are available to present a 45-minute interpretive program for your classroom, garden club, scout group or other civic

organization. 

     Cost: $55 within the Peoria Park District*

      * Additional fees apply outside of normal business hours and beyond the boundaries of 
        the Park District.

     A variety of topics are available:

• Sensing Nature (Grade 1)--Children learn about our human senses as well as how animals use their senses

• Nature Detectives (Grade 3)--Children learn to become nature detectives by recognizing animal signs and trying to solve some mysteries about nature items

• Bugs, etc. (Grade 5)--Many animals have reputations they don't deserve! This program is a good opportunity to meet a few of them. There will be appearances by our hissing cockroaches and tarantula.

• Snakes Alive (Grade 6)--Learn the fascinating truth about our scaly, slithering and often misunderstood friends. Includes an appearance by one or two of our snakes.

Mini-Naturalists

Young children are some of our most perceptive and astute observers of nature, and our Mini-Naturalist programs are geared to encourage their natural curiosity! Mini-Naturalists is designed for preschools with children ages 3 to 5. The naturalist presents themed programs that consist of a craft, game and a nature walk. The program is an hour and a half in length. It takes place at the Moose Shelter in Detweiller Park. Programs are available in April-May and September-October.
       Program cost: $2/student with a minimum $35/group (teachers and adult helpers are free)

Field Trips and Tours for School Groups

Our environmental education staff is available to lead your classroom, scout troop or other organization on a field trip through the forests and prairies of Forest Park. Field trips can reinforce materials taught in the classroom or can be an outdoor adventure for your group. Tours last from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Fees are $50 per naturalist for up to 30 people during Nature Center hours, or add $5 after hours. If there is a special topic you are working on, just call the naturalist ahead of time to discuss the tour. 

       Focused Field Trips get you out of the classroom and into the woods and prairies. Below are some possible topics:

• Birds for Beginners--Learn some basic bird biology, identification and how to use the tools of the trade (binoculars and field guides)

• Treemendous Trees--Learn some basic tree biology, identification of common trees by leaves, twigs or bark, and discover some of the many uses of trees by humans and other animals

• Prairie Magic--Learn why prairies grow in Illinois and what species of plants and animals call them home

• Flower Power--Learn about the fascinating life and folk histories of common wildflowers

• Insect Safari--Learn how the insects have become one of the most successful groups of animals on earth. Go to our prairies armed only with a magnifying glass and a sweep net to see what distinguishes some of the common insect orders

• Fire in the Woods--Learn why fire is an important natural force in Illinois prairies and woodlands

• Habitat Hunt--Learn the elements of a habitat and then search (scavenger hunt style) for what makes a habitat a home for plants and animals

Prairie School Project  

(click on above hyperlink for a complete description of this exciting new prairie curriculum and activities)

The Trailhead Nature Store

Visit Central Illinois’ best selection of nature related merchandise. We carry a full line of birdfeeders, premium birdseed, birdhouses and reference books for the nature enthusiast ranging from field guides to specific natural history topics. We also have a large selection of children’s books, gift items, jewelry, shirts and literature ranging from classical nature writing to the latest in contemporary authors. In addition, we now carry a full line of environmentally-friendly cleaning products and body lotions. All purchases at the Trailhead Nature Store directly support Forest Park Nature Center. Click here to see more about products we carry.

Find out more about the Nature Center...

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.

Birthday Parties

For details on our Woodland birthday parties, click here.

Facility Rentals

The building is available daily from 6-9 pm only for a fee of $75 ( A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date.) It may also be available by request at other times.

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 levels:
Endowment.......$100+
Supporting.........$75 
Contributing.......$50
Family..............$20
Individual...........$15
Senior/student...$12.50

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.