River Trail Nature Center
For 10,000 years, since the last glaciers melted away, the Des Plaines River Valley has been home and highway for plants, animals and people. Only a few hundred years ago American Indians paddled their canoes along the river and hunted bear, deer and elk along its banks, while trappers and fur traders came searching for beaver in its waters. A fragment of that world has been preserved in our Cook County forest preserves. River Trail Nature Center tells the story of native plants and animals that remain in the urban environment. Here you may walk through sugar maple woods along the river on self-guiding trails, learn of the past and present in the exhibit building, and visit a few of our native animals.
Programs and special events are held throughout the year. Trail maps and interpretive publications are available at the front desk, and naturalists are present to answer questions.
Visits by groups are encouraged. Making a reservation by calling the River Trail Nature Center is necessary to insure your group’s prompt orientation by the naturalist and admittance to exhibit facilities. River Trail Nature Center: (847) 824-8360. For general information, call the Conservation Department at (708) 771-1330; 1 (800) 870-3666; TDD# (708) 771-1190.
Location:
River Trail Nature Center
3120 Milwaukee Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062
West side, Milwaukee Ave., 3/4 mile southeast of River Rd., Northbrook
(847) 824-8360
Nature Center Hours March 1 through the last Saturday in October 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. daily
Last Sunday in October through February 28 8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. daily
All District Nature Center Exhibit Buildings open at 9 a.m. daily (CLOSED FRIDAYS)
CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Nature Center Guidelines
Please:
- Schedule group visits in advance by calling the nature center. Scheduled group visits will include an introductory talk with a naturalist, including time for questions. Other programs may sometimes be arranged; call nature center for details.
- Stay on trails - bicycles, horses, motorized vehicles, skates, roller blades, and cross country skiing are not permitted.
- Picnic in designated picnic groves only; picnicking is not permitted on nature center grounds. No food or drinks allowed.
- Leave your pet at home; pets disturb wildlife and other visitors.
- Respect wildlife and other visitors by maintaining quiet in buildings and on trails.
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