North Park Village Nature Center of the Chicago Park District

Located on the northwest side of Chicago, North Park Village Nature Center features a 46-acre natural area and educational facility, situated within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The park offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna. A discovery room, a hands-on table of natural objects, and interactive displays are highlights of the Nature Center. In addition to the Nature Center and natural area, visitors can also enjoy exploration through Walking Stick Woods, a 12-acre woodland with trails and nodes designed for Nature Play.

There are public programs for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, families, and adults. Teen programs include special events like It’s Lit: Fire in the Sky, film screenings and discussion, volunteering/service learning by assisting during festivals and participating in ecological restoration efforts, and a new summer-long program coming soon. The Nature Center also offers professional development on various topics for educators interested in ecology, culturally relevant nature connections, and more.

The mission of North Park Village Nature Center is to provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with and learn about wildlife and natural resources in an urban setting. Open 7 days a week (excluding holidays) from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.