The Best Family friendly nature center in Crete, Illinois

Crete Park District - Willard Wood Park Center is a multi-faceted institution located in Crete, Illinois. This center offers a wide range of amenities and services including a gym, health programs, educational classes, and a beautiful park for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to work out, enjoy nature, or improve your overall well-being, this facility has something for everyone. Visit us at 515 1st Street in Crete to experience all that Crete Park District - Willard Wood Park Center has to offer.

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve Camping Pod is a campground located in Crete, Illinois, United States. This nature preserve offers a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland, and Plum Creek. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on the 2.27 miles of natural surface trails. The campground consists of 9 primitive campsites that can accommodate families, small groups, and large groups. Each campsite includes a fire pit and picnic table, with an accessible latrine and water fountain nearby. The preserve also features a 40-foot hill for sledding in the winter, and offers snowshoes for rental. The Plum Creek Nature Center provides nature education opportunities and a natural playscape for visitors. Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve. Donations to the Nature Foundation of Will County and the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation support the conservation and recreation programs of the Forest Preserve District.

Welcome to the Crete Park District Administrative Center, your gateway to the vibrant recreational and community activities in Crete, Illinois. Conveniently located at 737 West Exchange Street, our center serves as the heart of the Crete Park District, offering a diverse range of programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. At the Crete Park District Administrative Center, we are committed to fostering a sense of community through our beautifully maintained parks, engaging events, and enriching recreational opportunities. Whether you're interested in enrolling in a fitness class, participating in a community event, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our parks, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you.

Welcome to Peter Halligan Nature Park, a serene and picturesque escape nestled in the heart of Crete, Illinois. Located at Crete, IL 60417, our park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot for relaxation or an adventurous day out, Peter Halligan Nature Park is your ideal destination. Explore our well-maintained walking trails that wind through lush greenery and offer breathtaking views of local flora and fauna. Enjoy a peaceful picnic with family and friends in our designated picnic areas, complete with tables and benches for your convenience. For the young and young-at-heart, our playground provides a safe and fun environment to let loose and enjoy the great outdoors.

Welcome to Plum Grove Forest Preserve, a serene natural retreat located at 27064 South Dutton Road, Crete, Illinois. Nestled in the heart of Crete Township, this park offers a perfect escape into nature for families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Discover the wonders of the Plum Creek Nature Center, situated within the preserve. Here, visitors can engage with the natural world through hands-on exhibits and interactive play elements designed to educate and inspire. Plan your visit using the visitor center's interactive map to ensure you make the most of your adventure.

Welcome to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, a serene escape nestled in Beecher, Illinois, at 27000 Dutton Road. As a cherished local park, Goodenow Grove offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Located conveniently north of Goodenow Road, our preserve is an ideal destination for picnics, hikes, and birdwatching. We offer two spacious shelters that can be reserved for your group gatherings. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a casual get-together, our shelters provide the perfect setting. For groups of 25 or more, a permit is required, ensuring exclusive use of the shelter for the entire day. Groups smaller than 25 can also choose to purchase a permit for guaranteed access. Please remember that reservations must be made at least two business days in advance, either in person or through our online system – phone reservations are not available.