River Trail Nature Center

River Trail Nature Center Building in Northbrook

River Trail Nature Center’s free exhibits, walking trails and onsite nature educators help tell the story of the plants, animals and natural landscapes formed by the Des Plaines River. Learn how to make maple syrup, meet an owl or join a guided hike at all-ages events each week—or just let the kids climb and create at indoor and outdoor play areas.

On this page:


one of the exhibit rooms inside River Trail Nature Center
One of the exhibit rooms inside River Trail Nature Center.

Location, Hours & Things to Do

River Trail Nature Center

Things to Do & Amenities

  1. 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 Day

Closures & Alerts


hikers at River Trail Nature Center in fall

Trails

River Trail Nature Center Trails

Explore the River Trail Nature Center grounds on three walking trails or extend your walk on the Des Plaines River Trail System.

Location: Northbrook

Surface

Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

1.7 miles

Things to Do

  1. 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 Day

Closures & Alerts

*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.

Des Plaines River Trail System

The unpaved Des Plaines River Trail follows its namesake river through more than a dozen forest preserves, allowing visitors to enjoy casual strolls, full-day adventures and anything in between.

Location: Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, River Forest, Rosemont, Schiller Park & Wheeling

Surface

Paved & Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

28.4 miles

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.

Events

Evening Owl Prowl

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

A guided walk on our trails to search for local owls. Ages […]

Free • Registration Required

Winter Walk

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Learn about wildlife in winter during a guided walk. The program begins […]

Free • Registration Required

Winter Solstice

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and unlock winter’s secrets.

Free

Animal Encounter

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Join our staff for an up-close look at one of our ambassador […]

Free

Winter Nature Days

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Drop in for family fun nature activities including pinecone bird feeders, walking […]

Free

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.

River Trail Nature Center
3120 Milwaukee Ave
847-824-8360

sugar maples at River Trail Nature Center in fall
The sugar maples around River Trail Nature Center showing off their color in the fall.

Nature Notes

Floodplain forest, backwater wetlands, oak-hickory woodland, and an ancient remnant of sugar maple-basswood forest make River Trail a mix of habitats for an amazing variety of birds, insects, plants and wildlife.

Visitors can experience this abundance of nature through 1.5 miles of walking trails that wind their way through the preserve.


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.

Volunteer Opportunities