Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center

Nature Center Location
330 N. Main St.,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Mailing Address
One East Crystal Lake Ave.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

It is the mission of the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center to improve the quality of life for the community by providing nature recreation, in the form of high quality native ecosystems through natural restoration and preservation, and formal and informal nature education.

The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center has been educating the people of Crystal Lake about the natural world since its creation in 1968. We have changed and expanded much over the years, but our aim has remained the same. Open year-round, we provide a unique opportunity for young and old alike to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on-activities, seasonal exhibits and exciting volunteer opportunities. Located in Veteran Acres Park, we are also the ideal starting point for a hike through the Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Prairie.

The Butterfly House
The Nature Center is also home to the Butterfly House. The Butterfly House is open to the public for guided tours, seasonally from June 1-September 30. Admission is free, however there is a suggested donation of $1 per person. In the butterfly house visitors can walk about as live native butterflies fly free through the beautiful greenhouse. While you witness these amazing creatures, we encourage you to take advantage of our knowledgeable staff and learn all that you can about the butterflies that live in our area. Remember, this exhibit is always changing, with new butterflies being released into the house on a regular basis. So don’t just visit once, visit often.

Fly With Us 5K Race

Join us Friday, May 15, 2009 for a fundraiser 5K Race in support of the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center Butterfly House.  Race details and registration form can be found here.

We value the opportunity to provide drop-in visitor hours at the Nature Center. In order to better accommodate all users of the Nature Center, staff kindly requests that you notify The Nature Center of visits of any group larger than 10 individuals, even if your group is not requesting a formal nature program. Call (815) 455-1763 to confirm your drop-in visit.

Summer Hours
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and
Sat & Sun: Noon-5 PM

Winter Hours
Labor day through Memorial Day
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Sat: Noon-4:30 PM

Sun: CLOSED

Contact Us
Phone: 815-455-1763
Fax: 815-455-1226