Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits and self-guided trails.
On this page:
- Location, Hours & Things to Do
- Trails
- Upcoming Events
- Field Trips & Hybrid Learning
- Accessible Garden
- History
- Volunteer Opportunities
- NPS Cancellation Stamps
- Rules
Location, Hours & Things to Do
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Nature Center
- Nature Play
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- No Fishing
- Birding Hotspot
- Volunteer Opportunities
- No Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies.
Hours
Mar - Oct: 9am - 5pm, closed FridaysNov - Feb: 9am - 4pm, closed FridaysClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's DayClosures & Alerts
Trails
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Trails
Explore the Little Red Schoolhouse grounds on three unpaved walking trails or the paved accessible garden trail. Connect to the Palos Trail System to extend your walk.
Location: Willow Springs
Surface
Paved & UnpavedEstimated Total Length
2.5 milesThings to Do
- Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies.
Hours
Mar - Oct: 8 am - 5 pmNov - Feb: 8 am - 4 pmClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's DayClosures & Alerts
Palos Trail System
The extensive and varied Palos Trail System winds through rolling hills and deep ravines, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Location: Hickory Hills, Justice, Palos Hills & Willow Springs
Surface
UnpavedEstimated Total Length
42.1 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Upcoming Events
I am a Scientist
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Fossil Fun
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
Bats Under a Dark Sky
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Wonder what species of bats live in our area? Using bat monitors, we will seek out these flying mammals while […]
Young Naturalists Field Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 8-9 will immerse themselves in nature through hiking, field experiments and hands-on wildlife discovery. Snacks provided. Registration opens […]
S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Join us for a nature-inspired adventure for seniors. Ages 55 & up.
Nature Open Mic Night
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform songs, poetry or enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset. All ages.
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
R.I.P. Stewardship
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves and a snack provided. Closed toed shoes and long […]
Sunrise Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for a “before hours” walk to experience the dawning of a new day.
Flickering Fireflies
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Discover why fireflies glow in the dark before setting out on a 1-mile adventure where we will catch and release […]
Wilderness Adventure Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 12-14 will learn essential wilderness skills including forest navigation/hiking, fire building and aquatic recreation. We'll have other fun […]
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 12 – Grasshoppers Jul […]
Field Trips & Hybrid Learning
Our hybrid learning and field trip offerings allow teachers, parents and youth leaders to use forest preserves and nature centers as an outdoor (or virtual) classroom. Our hybrid learning programs serve kindergarten through 12th grade students and meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), while our field trips serve everyone from pre-K to adult learners.
Contact one of our nature centers or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov for more information or to discuss programs tailored to your learning objectives.
Accessible Garden
This 6,000-square-foot garden with accessible trail encourages people of all abilities to physically interact with nature. The garden features several flower beds (five of them are raised and accessible), interpretive signage lining an ADA compliant concrete walkway and a sensory water feature.
The interpretive signs throughout the garden describe native plants and animals, with each name featured in tactile English letters alongside Spanish, Polish, Braille and American Sign Language translations.
From the garden, the accessible trail winds through the prairie and down to Long John Slough, inspiring people to immerse themselves in nature, rather than just observe it from the sidelines. The path is just under a half-mile long and is 100% ADA compliant.
History
Visitors can connect with the historic past of the Palos Hills at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Built in 1886 amidst farms, woods and prairie, the schoolhouse replaced a log cabin school and hosted generations of children. Originally located on the Black Oak Trail at old 99th Street, the schoolhouse was moved in 1932 to Camp Kiwanis by a local resident using horses and log rollers. Classes continued there until 1948.
In 1952 it was moved to its present site, and in 1955 reopened as a unique, new kind of school. In place of reading, writing and arithmetic, children and adults learn about plants, animals and the natural world around us.
Volunteer Opportunities
Did you know the oak woodland is more endangered than the tropical rain forest? Help remove invasive plants so the oaks can have sunlight and space once again. Gloves, tools, goggles, and light refreshments are provided.
NPS Cancellation Stamps
The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has National Park Service cancellation stamps available for the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.
Call 708-839-6897 to arrange a time to receive a stamp at 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480.
Nature Center Rules
- Pets are not permitted on Nature Center grounds, including the parking lots.
- Nature Centers are unable to accept injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife.
- For your safety and for the protection of natural areas, please stay on marked trails. Trails are for hiking only.
- Bicycles are only allowed in Nature Center parking lots, or at provided bike racks.
- For the benefit of other visitors and wildlife, please maintain respectful noise levels at all times.
- Picnicking is not permitted on Nature Center grounds. An adjacent picnic grove can be opened for pre-registered groups on weekdays.
- Food or drink is not permitted in Nature Center buildings.
- With the exception of water or sports bottles, food and drink are not permitted on Nature Center trails. Please dispose of litter in proper receptacles.
- Collecting of any kind is prohibited, as is the use of metal detectors. The fine for picking wildflowers is $500.
- For the protection of animals and visitors alike, please do not feed the wildlife.
- Be mindful of closing times for trails, the Nature Center building and parking lot.
- Please report safety hazards or suspicious activities to the Nature Center staff.
- Cross-country skiing is not permitted on Nature Center trails.