History & Culture
Events
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History of the Lagoons Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by water. Equipment provided. Presented with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Free • Registration Closed -
Geology & Herpetology – The Bridging of Two Sciences
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize […]
Free • Registration Required -
Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free -
Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers. Presented with the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Closed -
Beaubien Woods Celebration
FeaturedBeaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to […]
Free -
LGBTQ2S+ Nature Trivia
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join us for a celebration of all things queer in nature.
Free • Registration Required -
Trailside Summer Bluegrass Jam
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, join this all-American music jam! Come play or listen. Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own.
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Story Trail: Juneteenth
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Experience a story unfolding along a short trail. A craft is available to take home upon story trail completion.
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Freedom Trail: Paddle Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / "Freedom Seekers" that came through this […]
Free • Registration Required -
Story Trail: Juneteenth
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Experience a story unfolding along a short trail. A craft is available to take home upon story trail completion.
Free -
Nature Book Club: “Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep” by D. Stipp
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Discuss the featured book and ponder the hidden depths of familiar animals and ordinary things. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Juneteenth Reflection Hike
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Self-guided Juneteenth reflection hike exploring freedom, resilience and belonging through thoughtful prompts.
Free -
Juneteenth Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Join us for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.
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Juneteenth Paddle
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Closed -
Juneteenth Paddle
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Closed -
Juneteenth Freedom Ride
FeaturedDan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Join this 16-mile cycling celebration with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and local bike clubs. BYO-bike and helmet.
Free -
American Indian Summer Solstice
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Celebrate the solstice with dancing, drumming, storytelling and a sun-themed art activity. Presented by American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 13.
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Juneteenth Jubilee
FeaturedSand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate freedom, family and country with activities, refreshments and performances highlighting Black history. Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant […]
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America’s Original Wildlife
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439As part of America 250, learn how iconic species helped shape America’s landscapes, ecosystems and culture. Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature’s Fireworks
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010As part of America 250, catch and learn about the glowing insects of twilight on a casual guided stroll.
Free • Registration Required -
Freedom Trail: Paddle Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join us on 10-person voyager canoes for a fascinating tale of the hundreds -perhaps thousands- of escaped slaves / "Freedom Seekers" that came through this […]
Free • Registration Required -
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Disability Pride Month Trail Exhibit
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Learn about environmentalists with disabilities and celebrate the important work being done around the world.
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Feel Free Self-Guided Reflection Hike
Caldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646As part of America 250, explore freedom and resilience in nature while celebrating Independence Day through guided reflection prompts.
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Prairie Fireworks
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439As part of America 250, follow signs for a self-guided hike to learn about prairie influence on history, culture and its explosion of colorful flowers.
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Red, White & Black
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473As part of America 250, join us for a walk and presentation to search for local woodpeckers and learn about their amazing traits.
Free • Registration Required -
Freedom in Nature Self-Guided Reflection Hike
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473As part of America 250, explore freedom and resilience in nature while celebrating Independence Day through guided reflection prompts along the trail.
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Red, White and Whooo
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062As part of America 250, join us for an up-close look at one of our owls on our national holiday.
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Red, White & Blue Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, join a naturalist for a guided hike on our trails and look for our nation’s flag colors in nature.
Free • Registration Required -
Red, White and Whooo
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062As part of America 250, join us for an up-close look at one of our owls on our national holiday.
Free -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, listen to a children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. An ASL interpreter will be present.
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Flickering Fireflies
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480As part of America 250: See fireflies, nature's fireworks, glow in the dark before a 1-mile adventure to catch and release these incredible creatures.
Free • Registration Required -
Field Biology
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Spend time outdoors in the Forest Preserves and earn professional development hours during this series of educational events, held from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. […]
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Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free -
Summer Nature Camp
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Learn the significance of summer in Native American culture while participating in various activities. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.
Free • Registration Required -
Indigenous Games & Activities
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Join the American Indian Center of Chicago for traditional Indigenous games and activities. Grove 13.
Free -
Movie Night
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Come watch the (local) Emmy Award-winning Forest Preserves documentary: "Chicago's True Nature". Popcorn and s'mores provided.
Free -
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Native American Heritage Wildflower Walk
St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477 (near Tinley Park)As part of America 250, honor Native American culture and focus on their deep, respectful and reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
Free -
Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free -
Weaving a Community
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn weaving techniques and its history as well as the natural history of invasive plants. Supplies provided.
Free -
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.
Free • Registration Required -
Watercolor Workshop with Berry-based Paints
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Join Navraaz Basati of Wandering Paths, LLC on a forest therapy walk, then paint using plant-based inks on seed paper.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Cultural Presentation and Dance Exhibition
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634A showcase of Native dance forms and cultural presentations. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
Free -
Summertime Stories
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art and activities. Ages 10 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Book Club: “I Contain Multitudes” by Ed Yong
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Discuss the featured book and ponder the hidden depths of familiar animals and ordinary things. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Wildflowers in the Prairie
Carl R. Hansen Woods • Cook County, IL 60192 (near Schaumburg)Learn about the natural history and wildflowers of Shoe Factory Road Prairie on this 2-mile walk. Bring sun protection and water!
Free • Registration Required -
The Jewels of Mexico
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439An indoor presentation explores the legend of hummingbirds and their cultural significance in Mexico. Followed by walk to hummingbird garden.
Free • Registration Required -
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Chakra Balancing Gardens
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Learn the connection with nature through chakras. Led by Navraaz Kaur Basati from Wandering Paths.
Free • Registration Required -
“The Grown-Ups”
Featured Weekly Wellness ProgrammingCaldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646This funny, deeply human play invites audiences to gather close and “lose” themselves in the woods. Presented with The Tramps. (Begins at sunset.)
Free • Registration Required -
National Hummingbird Day
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Explore the conservation and historical importance of these birds throughout the Americas: Family-friendly activities and crafts: 10 am to 3 pm Walking presentation for ages […]
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Aztec Dance Performance: La Danza de los Concheros
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Experience a journey into Mexico’s ancient Aztec culture of music, song and dance. Presented with Xochitl-Quetzal Danza Azteca.
Free • Registration Required -
Sonidos Sagrados: Una Exhibición de Instrumentos Aztecas
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explora los sagrados instrumentos aztecas en exhibición del 15 al 27 de septiembre, descubriendo los sonidos, la historia y el significado cultural de la herencia […]
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Forest Bathing for the High Holidays
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Experience shinrin-yoku, a form of therapeutic relaxation immersed in nature during the “Days of Awe” between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Led by Certified Forest […]
Free • Registration Closed -
Walk & Talk: Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Nature Thursdays ‘What is climate change?’ Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun themed activities for all ages. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists.
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History of the Lagoons Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Explore the Skokie Lagoons by water. Equipment provided. Presented with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Free • Registration Closed -
Canceled Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. Presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network.
Free -
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Celebrate diverse, vibrant Hispanic cultures with dance performances, arts and nature education, and local food! Center of Peruvian Arts performance at 12 pm, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec […]
Free • Registration Required -
Monarchs
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn how monarchs make their journey to Mexico during a presentation, followed by a hike.
Free • Registration Required -
Sukkah Building
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join community members to decorate a miniature sukkah from natural materials. All ages are welcome!
Free -
Native American Fall Equinox
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305A green corn celebration focused on traditional foods and the harvest season. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
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Moon Festival
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the season under the glow of the full moon with guided forest‑therapy walks, moon‑viewing and sharing of traditional mooncakes during this Asian cultural festival. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Party for the Preserves
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate National Public Lands Day at our annual Party for the Preserves. Arrive in the morning and make a toy boat with natural materials and […]
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Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the places that bring us together with a day of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy a bilingual prairie walk, family activities, hands-on seed […]
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Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserves
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Dance into National Public Lands Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of live music, salsa dancing and festive outdoor fun. Bring your family and friends […]
Free • Registration Required -
Every Child Matters Powwow
Bunker Hill • Niles, IL 60714Celebrate Native American culture. Enjoy traditional Powwow, native food, and listen to stories. Register: call 773-883-9100. Grove 1.
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Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCamp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a day of activities. Paddle in 10-person canoes with Wilderness Inquiry. Funkadesi brings joyful tunes blending music from around the world. View the night sky with telescopes and walks. Noon–3 pm: 4H Kick off, […]
Free • Registration Required -
Party for the Preserves: Acoustics Under the Stars
FeaturedCamp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the connection between public lands and folk music with performances, a guided walk and hot dog roast. Bring your own instruments and join in […]
Free • Registration Required -
Ritmos Sagrados: Danza y Herencia Azteca
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Un evento cultural sobre la danza tradicional azteca, destacando instrumentos sagrados, ritmos ancestrales, expresión espiritual y la rica herencia indígena mexicana. English Translation Sacred Rhythms: […]
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Party for the Preserves: Canoeing
FeaturedPowderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Celebrate National Public Lands Day. Paddle in 10-person canoes with Wilderness Inquiry. All equipment provided. Enjoy fun family activities. 10 am–2 pm: Paddling & family […]
Free • Registration Required -
Music in Nature
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Migration is adaptive, exploratory, brave, exhilarating, ancestral. Missing Piece, a Chicago-based violin/cello duo, expresses the beauty and the challenge of migration in this particular time […]
Free • Registration Required -
All About Canines
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Learn about the diverse family of canines—from wolves to domestic dogs—and their impact through interactive exhibits and activities.
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Walk & Talk: Skokie Lagoons
Forest Way Grove • Cook County, IL 60022 (near Glencoe)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free • Registration Required -
World Animal Day
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate Filipino American History Month with this year’s theme: See the World Through Their Eyes during this English/Tagalog bilingual program.
Free -
73rd Annual Powwow
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Celebrate Native American culture and enjoy traditional Powwow, food and more. Presented with American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 9
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Red Gate Woods: The Dawning of the Atomic Age
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about the world’s first nuclear reactor from scientist, Dave Dolak. Presentation at Sagawau before strenuous hike at Red Gate Woods. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Sugar Shack Time Machine
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Travel through time as we open our sugar shack and learn about the history of maple syrup.
Free • Registration Required -
Hispanic Heritage Month Nature Art Studio
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Create art inspired by renowned Hispanic artists. All ages. Drop in.
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Trickster DaWaag (Fall) Camp
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Two-day camp for all ages featuring cultural teachings, storytelling, games, artmaking and more! Sponsored by Trickster Cultural Center’s Communities for Positive Youth Development. Free registration […]
Free • Registration Required -
Rust at Dusk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Explore an old farm trail surrounded by tallgrass prairie and relics of the past. Ages 12 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Underground Railroad Tour
John Husar I&M Canal Bicycle Trail Parking Lot • Willow Springs, IL 60480Tour includes info about the historical significance of this corridor. Arrive at I&M Canal for a discussion of the site and then shuttle to Lyonsville […]
Free • Registration Required -
Hispanic Heritage Paddle
Powderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Join Friends of the Chicago River for bilingual bird paddling and storytelling on the water.
Free • Registration Required -
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making decorative sugar skulls. Vibrantly colored sugar skulls represent the circle of life and are ornamental gifts for friends and […]
Free -
Weaving with Weeds: Cattail Mat
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about the history of basketry/weaving techniques and create a small project with a common invasive plant. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Entre Mundos: Una Celebración del Día de Muertos
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Conmemora el Día de Muertos con danzantes aztecas, explorando el significado de los altares, las tradiciones espirituales y la profunda importancia de honrar a los […]
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Walk & Talk: History of Poplar Creek
Carl R. Hansen Woods • Cook County, IL 60192 (near Schaumburg)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be […]
Free -
Indigenous Scary Storytelling
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy listening to traditional and contemporary supernatural stories shared by the American Indian Center.
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Nature Thursdays ‘Skeletons from Trailside’s Collections’ Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun themed activities for all ages. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists.
Free -
Nature Book Club: “Backyard Bird Chronicles”
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Join a lively book discussion about “Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan.
Free • Registration Required -
Hike the Freedom Trail: Bus and Walking Tour
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Follow the tale of Freedom Seekers through the Calumet Region. Presented with Midwest Underground Railroad Network.
Free • Registration Required -
REACH Nature Navigators
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646A high-energy outdoor adventure guiding visitors through a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt, shelter building and backpack challenges, wilderness first aid demos, river critter investigations, […]
Free -
America’s Landscapes: The Palos Preserves
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn the geological story of the hilly landscape and some of its special land formations. Oral and ASL presentation.
Free
