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.
The museum was once the site of Cook County’s wildlife rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured native animals, but NO LONGER SERVES IN THAT CAPACITY! Please DO NOT bring injured animals to Trailside.
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 Resource Management 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
Hours for Harold “Hal” Tyrell Trailside Museum
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 individual nature centers for details. Groups of 15 or must make advance reservations.
- Stay on trails — bicycles, horses, and motorized vehicles are not permitted; check at each center for availability of cross-country skiing.
- Picnic in designated picnic groves only; picnicing is not permitted on nature center grounds.
- 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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