Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Heights

About Forest Park Nature Center

Forest Park Nature Center sprawls across 540 acres in Peoria Heights as a protected Illinois State Nature Preserve where visitors hike over seven miles of trails through open meadows, forests, and prairies. The interpretive building houses educational exhibits and a bird observation room with views of native species. The Trailhead Nature Store stocks eco-friendly merchandise for visitors. The center offers homeschool classes, nature workshops, guided hikes, and seasonal events throughout the year. Facilities include picnic tables, public restrooms, and available shelter rentals for gatherings and birthday parties. Birdwatchers and hikers find the preserve rewarding for observing wildlife in natural habitats. The site welcomes visitors seeking outdoor recreation and ecological connection, though pets are not permitted to protect the preserve's sensitive ecosystems.