Sand Ridge Nature Center features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Calumet region. Visitors will find live native animal displays, hands-on activities and colorful butterfly and interpretive gardens.
On this page:
- Location, Hours & Things to Do
- Walking Trails
- Events & Programs
- Field Trips & Hybrid Learning
- Pioneer Cabins & Period Programming
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Rules
COVID-19 Visitor Information
Grounds & Trails: Open seven days per week, from 8 am to 4 pm.
Building & Indoor Exhibits: Closed for building improvements, will reopen in July.
Bathrooms: Open seven days per week, from 8 am to 4 pm.
Masks are required indoors for visitors who are not vaccinated. Please be mindful of others and physically distance. Drinking fountains are not available, please bring your own water.
Location, Hours & Things to Do
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Nature Center
- Nature Play
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- No Fishing
- Birding Hotspot
- 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
Walking Trails
Sand Ridge Nature Center offers four walking trails that pass through a number of habitats including prairies, oak savannas and woodlands on ancient beaches and sand dunes, marshes and ponds.
Surface
UnpavedEstimated Total Length
3.9 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
Events & Programs
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.
Pioneer Cabins & Period Programming
Sand Ridge Nature Center’s pioneer cabins depict pioneer life in the early 1800s through period living quarters, tools, artifacts and costumed living history demonstrations.
Sand Ridge Nature Center hosts annual festivals and other programming that celebrates the cultural history of the Chicago region. These events include the Underground Railroad Interactive Hike, Juneteenth Celebration, Archaeology Day (celebrating Native American culture), Settlers’ Day and Christmas Past.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help take care of Sand Ridge Nature Center with removal of invasive plants. Come out to this spectacular place and do some good work for nature and friends.
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.