Since opening its doors in 1980, The Nature Center has been a vibrant natural resource for education and conservation in suburban Chicago.  Nestled in the heart of the Village of Itasca, Illinois, and located just minutes from its downtown area and train station, you can enjoy 2 miles of hiking trails through a shady woodland, fragrant prairie, and a lush cattail marsh.  You can also stop in at the visitor's center where children of all ages will delight in our discovery room's crafts and games.  Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation exhibits birds of prey in our year-round raptor aviary

The Nature Center offers a variety of programs for Itasca schools, scouts and families.  We teach topics ranging from native plants and animals to Illinois raptors to environmental restoration.  The Nature Center is a wonderful place to come out and enjoy a summer of fun at one of our many nature day camps. 

The Village of Itasca’s Nature Center is located (view map and directions) south of the Itasca Community Library and Park District Water Park at Catalpa Avenue and Irving Park Road.  Parking is available at the Nature Center (small lot) and at the Water Park (larger lot).  We are open year-round with a variety of attractions for the whole family (view Nature Center hours).

• Hiking and Birdwatching
• Snowshoeing (weather permitting)
• Raptors (birds-of-prey)
• Displays on native plants and animals
• Discovery Room (children’s games & crafts)
• Creature Corner and lobby murals
• Nature Discovery Packs available for check-out
• Large indoor Aquarium (fish and turtles)
• Butterfly garden and Hummingbird garden
• Picnic shelter and Campfire ring