Harold “Hal” Tyrell Trailside Museum
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 its present use as Trailside Museum, the first of its kind in the midwest. The house that was built for educational purposes continues to depict knowledge with displays of native flora and fauna and live animals of the Chicagoland area.
While, for many years, the Museum functioned as a wildlife rehabilitation facility, we no longer accept injured animals at this location. Please feel free to contact the center for the name of the private rehabilitation facility nearest your home.
Reservations: Visits by groups are welcome, however, we ask that you make reservations by phoning in advance. Naturalists are pleased to present audio/visual programs in schools, churches, etc. between the months of Nov.—Feb. To make arrangements or for general information, call the Conservation Department at (708) 771-1330; 1 (800) 870-3666; TDD# (708) 771-1190.
Location:
Trailside Museum
738 Thatcher Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
Southwest corner at the intersection of Thatcher Ave., and Chicago Ave., River Forest
(708) 366-6530
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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