Nature Center

The Nature Center is located at 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake. Located in Veteran Acres Park, The Nature Center is an ideal starting point for a hike through the Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Prairie.

Mission

It is the mission of the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center to improve the quality of life for the community by providing high quality nature-based recreation opportunities which include formal and informal education programs and the preservation and restoration of native ecosystems.

Since the Nature Center re-opened in 1998, we have upgraded and are constantly striving to improve our facilities, but our goals have remained the same. Open year-round, we provide a unique opportunity for anyone to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits and volunteer opportunities. Located in Veteran Acres Park, the ideal starting point for a hike through the Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Prairie.

Nature Programs in Activity guide

Nature Center Hours of Operation

Hours of Operation:

7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm

• EXHIBITS

  Since the Nature Center re-opened in 1998, we have upgraded and are constantly striving to improve our facilities, but our goals have remained the same. Open year-round, we provide a unique opportunity for anyone to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits and volunteer opportunities. 

  In December 2023, The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center was one of thirty-six Illinois museums to receive a total of $19.7 million in state capital investments to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits. The grant funding amount awarded to the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center was $363,000. This amount covered a complete redesign and construction of Nature Center exhibits. Many new exhibits were added and existing exhibits were enhanced and updated. On June 1, 2024, the Nature Center re-opened after a 5 month closure to completely renovate the interior exhibits. The Nature Center is also home to the following special exhibits:

  BUTTERFLIES AND BEES

  Every summer we have live butterflies fluttering about our Butterfly Habitat. There is no registration or fee required, although a $1 per person donation is appreciated. Our see-through bee hive allows visitors to watch how a live bee hive works in action. The butterflies will begin to arrive and the bees will become most active after Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• 

  Once a month the Nature Center staff will create a new adventure on the Agents of Discovery app, filled with exciting challenges waiting to be conquered. New missions are posted in the app on the first Saturday of each month.

  Here's how to play:

  Download the free 'Agents of Discovery App' on your phone and create an account.

  Locate the "Explore Crystal Lake Park District " mission.

  When you arrive at the mission location (as directed by the App), the App will direct you to a specified area. Your phone will alert when you are close to a challenge we have created.

  Your Mission of the Month will be finished after you complete all small games/puzzles at that park.

  On the last day of each month, that mission will no longer be available to complete so make sure you find time to conquer each mission within the time frame allowed.

  Stop in to the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center (330 S. Main St, Crystal Lake) and pick up a small prize after each month's mission is complete. The Nature Center is open 7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm

  Questions about Agents of Discovery?
  

  Contact John Fiorina, Interpretive Services Facility Manager, jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org or stop by The Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake for help during visitor hours, 7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm

• NATURE PROGRAMS

  The Nature Center offers nature themed programs year-round. Please see the current brochure for current programs.

  View ACTIVITIES
  

  Monthly drop-in crafts

  Stop by any time the Nature Center is open and enjoy a free, drop-in craft project.

  Sep: Creepy Critters

  Oct: Fall Colors

  Nov: It Takes a Community-share with us why you love nature

  Dec: Holiday Ornaments

   

  SPECIAL NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS

  THE TRAVELING NATURALIST

  Are you looking for a different idea for your club or organization's next meeting? You can schedule on of our Traveling Naturalists to visit your meeting! These 1 to 1.5 hour programs include hands-on activities and knowledgeable instructors. We have a variety of topics to present within these 1-2 hour programs, or we can tailor a program to meet your needs. Topics include: Formerly Living Things, Silly Science, Our Geological Past, Decomposers and many others.

  Fee: $100

  FIELD TRIPS AND GROUP PROGRAMS

  School Districts, preschools, home school, clubs and more have benefited from our field trip programs. A typical program will last from 1-2 hours and will feature a hike and multiple educational station covering most any nature topic.

  Call for group rates, 815-455-1763

  Woodcarving Drop-In

  For Seniors

  For both the novice and experienced carver, this informal group is for anyone interested in woodcarving. There is no fee involved, but you need to bring your own tools. The group meets at the Nature Center twice a month. For more information, contact Bill Markison at 815-451-3553.