History & Culture
Events
-
-
Nation of Nations
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Trailside is hosting an exhibit celebrating tribal diversity of contemporary Indigenous Communities whose ancestral homelands are the Great […]
Free -
Native American Heritage Month History Walk
Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411Learn the origin of the name Sauk Woods. 3.4-mi.
Free -
Stars, Stories & S’mores
FeaturedLaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Listen to stories, take a night hike, make s’mores and more. Presented with the American Indian Health Services Center. Grove 2.
Free -
Pride Night
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Enjoy an evening at the nature center with s’mores around the campfire. This is a welcoming event for LGBTQ2S+ individuals and allies to connect, unwind, […]
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Story Trail “Giving Thanks” by Chief Jake Swamp
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail while reading a story.
Free -
Gratitude Gathering
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473A reflective event on gratitude, sharing cultural teachings about thankfulness. Presented with the American Indian Center.
Free -
Calumet Heritage Day
FeaturedSand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Explore the Calumet Region’s heritage with guided walks, historic skill demos, and programs celebrating native flora and fauna.
Free -
Fossil Quarry Tour
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about fossils of the Chicago region from geologist, Dave Dolak, followed by a 1.5-mile walk to visit Sagawau’s fossil quarry.
Free • Registration Closed -
Sacred Clay Workshop: The Tradition and Protection of African American Face Jugs
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473This workshop will explore the history, cultural significance and ecological knowledge embedded in the African American tradition of face jugs. Originating from African ceramic practices […]
Free • Registration Required -
Qigong and Urban Stargazing
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Start with grounding Qigong, followed by celestial viewing at an Urban Night Sky Place.
Free • Registration Required -
Plants in the Military
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate Veterans Day by learning how plants were used in the military.
Free -
America 250: Americana Folk Art
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Learn how to carve a linoleum block and learn about Americana folk art. Materials provided. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Autumn Stories in Chinese
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories and activities. All ages; under 18 w/ adult.
Free -
Stars, Stories, and S’mores
FeaturedDan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Bring your family and friends to enjoy a night under the stars. Participants can explore the night sky through a telescope and other interactive experiences, […]
Free -
Dark Sky Gratitude Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Stroll beneath the dark sky and offer gratitude to Mother Nature for this beautiful experience. 2-mile hike
Free • Registration Required -
America 250: Americana Folk Art
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Learn about Americana folk art, then how to carve a linoleum block. Materials provided. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Photography Walk
Spears Woods • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Enjoy a guided walk to photograph and view nature. For all levels and camera types.
Free -
Gratitude Nature Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Walk with a naturalist and share what you are thankful for in nature.
Free -
Singing Back the Buffalo Film Viewing
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn how the relationship with buffalo weaves together the survival of Indigenous nations, nature and humankind.
Free • Registration Required -
-
Crafternoon: Paint & Sip Hot Chocolate
Camp Sullivan • Oak Forest, IL 60452Guided painting and a cup of hot chocolate. Supplies provided.
-
Black History Month Walk & Talk
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free


















