October is the perfect time to start decorating our homes for the season, but no fall display is complete without a jack-o-lantern. But have you ever wondered where this tradition comes from? Join us at Isle a la Cache for a short presentation exploring the history of
What better way to start your day than breathing the crisp morning air while watching the sunrise in the prairie. A morning hike provides many physical and mental benefits and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Get early access into the preserve and
This ongoing event will be held from Tuesday, Oct. 21, to Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Pick up some dirty tricks to earn some treats! Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the
This big, beautiful, fragrant flower has wilted, but now the roots are ripe and ready for harvesting. Join us on a lovely fall evening to learn about this native aquatic plant, a historical food of our region. After a brief presentation, the tasting will begin. The roots
Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and the
This ongoing program will be offered from Wednesday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Owls large and small have flown in and are making Hidden Oaks their home throughout November! Whoooo is up for the challenge to
Take a deep breath of crisp, fall air. Move between colorful trees in the forest, frosted grasses in the prairie and glittering water in the river. This naturalist-led hike will let you experience the beauty of nature on this fall morning. Registration required by Saturday, Nov. 1:
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts. Registration required by Tuesday, Nov. 4: 815-722-9301.
Grab your friends and head to Four Rivers for a crafty evening. Learn about murders of crows that are gathering outdoors and the long history of trying to scare them off. Celebrate the fall season with a homemade, not-so-scary crow decoration. All crafting materials will be supplied.
Many birds use Lake Renwick to rest and refuel during migration. Join us for a guided hike in search of amazing waterfowl, soaring eagles and beautiful songbirds. Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 6: 815-722-9470. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. A limited supply of binoculars will
Do you have an interesting item sitting on your shelf? A fossil? A rock? A rare postcard? Objects are powerful they're scientific evidence, they're story tellers and sometimes they are just curious. Join a naturalist to discover how interesting items, weird collections and curiosity cabinets morphed into
Come smash and bash pumpkins in the name of saving the Earth! Choose how your jack-o-lantern will meet its demise pounded to a pulp, launched over a railing and more. It's going to be a smashing good time! Work up an appetite smashing your pumpkin then enjoy
Do you have an interesting item sitting on your shelf? Objects are powerful they're scientific evidence, they're story tellers and sometimes they are just curious. Join a naturalist to discover how interesting items and weird collections morphed into the museums we have today. Guests are invited to
Hear history go BOOM as you learn about weaponry of the 18th century. During this Living History Encounter, you will see live demonstrations of various weapons from Alexander Hamilton's New York Provincial Company of Artillery as well as meet voyageurs and settlers who journeyed to this land
This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, Nov. 12, to Wednesday, Jan. 7. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Only 0.007% of the planets water is available to fuel and feed its 8 billion people. Brad Temkin's photography puts visitors face to face with
It's the holiday season! Chances are good that you'll feast on turkey sometime soon. This program will provide you with turkey talking points so you can get through those celebratory meals without having to resort to talking about the weather. You'll learn natural history, fun facts and
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by
How much do you know about Illinois' state mammal, the white-tailed deer? Join a naturalist to examine different parts of deer and their current and historical uses. We will then hit the trails to look for sights and signs of deer. Registration required by Friday, Nov. 14:
Start your morning with an unparalleled view of the Four Rivers bird feeders! View the resident birds and new winter arrivals indoors from the exhibit room and the Grand Hall. Enjoy provided warm beverages and muffins. Need more than a muffin? Bring your breakfast. A naturalist will
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more! The last Friday of each month we will have something new
This program will be offered Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23. Program hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The State of Water: Our Most Valuable Resource is here at Four Rivers! Come check out this fantastic exhibit and then with a renewed appreciation for water
This program will be offered Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23. Program hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The State of Water: Our Most Valuable Resource is here at Four Rivers! Come check out this fantastic exhibit and then with a renewed appreciation for water
This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a brisk nature walk after the holiday season. Let the cool air and a mindful walk lead you to calmness. This naturalist-led hike may have a few stops along the way to enjoy the tranquility of
Visit Hidden Oaks in search of wintertime sounds. This ongoing program will be offered from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Wednesday, Dec. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Can you identify the symphony of sounds the season brings? Explore the nature center and
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts. Registration required by Tuesday, Dec. 2: 815-722-9301.