Skokie Heritage Museum

About Skokie Heritage Museum

Emily Oaks Nature Center occupies thirteen acres of woodland in Skokie featuring native wildflowers, grasses, ancient oak trees, a two-acre pond, and wood chip and asphalt trails. Visitors explore habitats where herons, coyotes, flying squirrels, painted turtles, and Cooper's hawks reside and pass through. The indoor visitor facility houses the interactive Woodland Wander Inn exhibit, classrooms, meeting rooms available for rental, and activity shelters. Programs serve early childhood, homeschool, and school-age groups, with birthday parties and scout outings accommodated. An adjacent playground provides additional activity space. Visitors can download a free audio guided meditation walk, participate in woodland bingo scavenger hunts, or engage in GPS treasure hunts throughout the grounds. The nature center welcomes families and individuals seeking outdoor education and nature observation in a natural setting accessible by walking paths.