Visitors to the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History will discover displays of live native animals, colorful wildflower gardens, information about local wildlife and their habitats, and more.

On this page:

• Location, Hours & Things to Do
• Trails
• Fishing at Thatcher Pond
• Education
• History
• Events
• Volunteer
• Rules

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Location, Hours & Things to Do

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Trails

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Fishing at Thatcher Pond

This 1.5-acre pond, next to the Trailside Museum of Natural History parking lot, is an old oxbow of the Des Plaines River and is prone to flooding. Its fish population is heavily influenced by the river.

• Population Survey (PDF)

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Education

Complement your curriculum and help meet standards by taking your classroom outdoors with a visit to a local preserve or nature center. Learn about the region’s plants, animals, and natural communities by walking nature trails, meeting live ambassador animals, or participating in field science labs.

Educators are encouraged to explore our Guided Learning opportunities for field trips and in-classroom programs. Teachers also have access to Educator Resources, which include lesson plans, resource loan kits and workshops.

The Forest Preserves also provides Programs, including the Nature Express Bus, to give students experiences they will never forget.

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Contact one of our nature centers or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov for more information or to discuss programs tailored to your learning objectives.

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History

Established in 1932, Trailside Museum served as the first public nature education facility for the Forest Preserves.

Trailside Museum of Natural History is set within a historic 1876 mansion. The building has served many purposes through the years including being a residence and even housing two schools. In 1919, the Forest Preserves purchased the building, having already bought much of the surrounding land. The mansion served as the Forest Preserves’ headquarters until 1932, when the Board of Commissioners voted to make it a “trail side” museum displaying “every plant and animal in Cook County, live or mounted, for the education of the public.”

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Events

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Volunteer Opportunities

Help out at events, restore natural areas and more.

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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.
• All-terrain wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to use multiple chairs or need special accommodations for a specific event, we request a minimum of 72 hours’ notice to ensure availability.