Sand Ridge Nature Center

Sand Ridge Nature Center is a 235-acre preserve with four well-marked trails offering easy hiking, from under a mile to 2 miles long. Each trail features different habitats, including prairies, oak savannas and woodlands, marshes, a pond, and ancient sand dunes. Sand Ridge is especially noted for its wonderful spring woodland wildflower display during April and early May, colorful summer prairie wildflowers, and autumn leaf color. Both spring and fall bring many migrating birds that stop to rest and feed in the different habitats. Fans of dragonflies and butterflies are treated to their aerial displays on warm days spring through fall. Winter is beautiful too, with drifts of white snow highlighting the graceful shapes of trees and shrubs, punctuated with the cheery calls and colors of our resident winter birds and the tracks of more secretive animals.

Sand Ridge Nature Center features both the natural history and the cultural history of the Calumet region. Within the modern Nature Center building, the Exhibit Room houses interpretive displays, as well as native local wildlife including snakes, turtles, and fish. A Kids Corner features hands-on activities, displays and animal puppets, puzzles, children’s nature books, and more. The building includes a classroom area where many of the free public nature programs are held, as well as a bird feeder observation area. Outside, visitors can stroll through a colorful butterfly garden, and enjoy a vegetable garden and herb garden displaying plants used by pioneers and Native Americans. There are several reproduction log cabins on site, which depict the lifestyles of early 19th century settlers in Illinois. Pioneer demonstrations are held most Wednesday mornings from May through November — please call to confirm dates and times of demonstrations and activities.

Special events highlighting the area’s natural and cultural history are held periodically throughout the year. April brings the Earth Day Celebration, where we are all reminded in a fun way to treat our planet with care. This event features children’s puppet shows, a kid’s craft, wildflower walks, special interpretive displays, exhibitors, and more. International Migratory Bird Day is held during May. It is a celebration of the incredible journeys that birds make every year from their wintering grounds in the south, to their spring and summer nesting areas in the north. Guided bird hikes, children’s activities and crafts, and special displays are among the event. Illinois Archaeology Day, part of a statewide celebration of our past, is held in mid-September. Sand Ridge features Native American cultural history through archeological displays, traditional story-telling, Native American games, a simulated “dig,” and more. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the very popular Settler’s Day event is held. Settler’s Day features costumed re-enactors from our Nation’s history, from French fur trading days through the American Revolution, pioneers, and the Civil War. Guided history hikes, crafts to make and buy, and historical interpretation are some of the many things to do and enjoy. And finally, the Christmas Past celebration features a quiet pioneer Christmas with berries on the mantle, popcorn over an open fire, and homemade ornaments and toys. Please visit our Events pages for more information.

Read about the natural and cultural history of the Sand Ridge Nature Center...

PROGRAMS: Throughout the year free public programs, guided walks, demonstrations, and special events are offered. Ask for a seasonal schedule of programs at Sand Ridge and other Forest Preserve District of Cook County facilities.

RESERVATIONS: All groups must schedule their visit through the nature center. Teachers, please inquire about special educational programs for your class at Sand Ridge. Naturalist visits to schools and local natural history videos available for loan. For information or reservations, please call the Sand Ridge Nature Center at (708) 868-0606. Or for general information, call the Resource Management Department at (708) 771-1330; 1 (800) 870-3666; TDD# (708) 771-1190.

Location:

Sand Ridge Nature Center
15890 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL 60473

On Paxton Ave. two blocks north of 159th St., South Holland

(708) 868-0606

Nature Center Hours

March — October

Parking lot and trails:
Weekdays: Monday — Friday
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays: 8:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Buildings:
Weekdays: Monday — Thursday, CLOSED FRIDAYS
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Weekends: 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

November — February

Parking lot and trails:
Weekdays: Every day
8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Exhibit Buildings:
Weekdays: Sunday — Thursday, CLOSED FRIDAYS
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Trail to Shabbona Woods picnic area open for scheduled weekday groups only and will be closed at 2:30 p.m. Closed weekends.

Exhibit room CLOSED on Fridays for maintenance. Building and grounds CLOSED 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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