copyright Andrew Morkes I’ve traveled thousands of miles to visit national parks, visited more than 100 natural and historic spots in Chicagoland, and lived in Chicago for 50 years, yet I’d still not visited the “tree-rific” (bad pun intended) Sand Ridge Nature Center (SRNC) (15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL 60473, 708-868-0606, Facebook) that’s less than … Continue reading Sand Ridge Nature Center: Indoor and Outdoor Education and Fun in All Seasons
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND BLOG UPDATED MARCH 2026 This blog often focuses on unique or off-the-beaten-path nature destinations, but there’s nothing secret, but a lot that’s special, about today’s blog destination. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center (LRSNC) in Willow Springs, Illinois, has been a school field trip destination for decades, … Continue reading Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center: Not Your Parents’ Little Red Schoolhouse
Where: 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois 60646, http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/North-Park-Village-Nature-Center Open: 7 days a week (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Quick Review: A nature preserve and educational facility that offers easy walking trails through woodlands, wetlands, prairie, and savanna; a hands-on exploratory room of natural objects (antlers, shells, … Continue reading North Park Village Nature Center: An Oasis in the City