Background

North Park Village Nature Center: An Urban Oasis

Discover a hidden gem in Chicago: explore diverse ecosystems and historical landmarks at North Park Village Nature Center.

4.7

Escape the city bustle at North Park Village Nature Center, a 58-acre natural area within the 155-acre North Park Village campus on Chicago's northwest side. Explore trails winding through diverse habitats, from woodland and wetland to prairie and savanna. The center offers a unique blend of nature and history, as it was once a tuberculosis sanitarium.

A brief summary to North Park Village Nature Center

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning or early afternoon for a comfortable experience and optimal wildlife viewing.
  • Check the Chicago Park District's website for information on educational programs and events.
  • Be aware that dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Nature Center is accessible via public transportation. The #53 Pulaski bus will take you to the main entrance of the campus. Alternatively, the #84 Peterson bus requires a walk through Peterson Park after getting off at Central Park or Lawndale. A short walk from the bus stop is required to reach the Nature Center.

  • Walking

    If you are in the vicinity, such as Peterson Park, you can walk to the Nature Center. Enter the North Park Village campus at Ardmore Avenue from Pulaski Road. The Nature Center is located behind the Administration Building.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter the North Park Village grounds at Ardmore Avenue from Pulaski Road. Keep left at the roundabout and behind the Administration Building. Parking is available in the lot nearest the Nature Center on the north end of the lot. Parking is free, but can be limited during events.

Unlock the Best of North Park Village Nature Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about North Park Village Nature Center

North Park Village Nature Center offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature within the city limits of Chicago. This 58-acre nature preserve, part of the larger 155-acre North Park Village campus, provides a tranquil escape with diverse ecosystems. The Nature Center's trails meander through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna, showcasing a snapshot of Illinois' native landscapes. Visitors can explore Walking Stick Woods, a 12-acre woodland designed for nature play. The center also features a discovery room with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Historically, the land was once farmland and then the site of the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium from 1911 to 1974. The sanitarium was designed with an emphasis on fresh air and the outdoors, featuring gardens, paths, and a pond. Today, the remaining buildings of North Park Village serve various purposes, including senior housing and government offices. The Nature Center building itself once served as the sanitarium's dispensary. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the different habitats. The center offers year-round nature programming for children and adults, including a maple syrup festival in late winter.

Popular Experiences near North Park Village Nature Center

Popular Hotels near North Park Village Nature Center

Select Currency