Plum Creek Nature Center
Location
Plum Creek Nature Center is located at 27064 S. Dutton Road, north of Goodenow Road, in Crete Township near Beecher.
Hours
Visitor center
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Preserve
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
High Point Trail
Oak Ridge Trail
Plum Creek Greenway Trail
Scout Trail
Snapper Pond Trail
Phone
815-722-9879
Plum Creek Nature Center offers visitors family-friendly spaces designed to inspire curiosity about nature.
Located within Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and adjacent to the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, the nature center provides opportunities for both indoor learning and outdoor recreation. Visitors can discover local wildlife, explore native habitats and enjoy nature-based experiences for all ages.
The nature center offers public, school and youth group programs, special events, facility rentals, a gift shop, and free District publications and trail maps.
Explore the nature center
- Inside and around the nature center, visitors can enjoy:
- Hands-on exhibits and interactive play elements
- A honeybee exhibit and resident reptiles
- A nature playscape with pollinator and rain gardens
- A bird observation area
- Seasonal sled tube and snowshoe rentals
Visitors may also purchase camping, dog park and picnic permits. The nature center is accessible, dog friendly and open to the public free of charge.
Explore the preserve
The surrounding preserve and trail system offer opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation in a peaceful natural setting. Horse trailer parking is available on Goodenow Road for equestrian visitors using the Plum Creek Greenway Trail.
Group outings
While groups of 25 or more are welcome to visit the nature center and preserve, a special use permit is required in advance to help avoid scheduling conflicts and overcrowding. Call 815-722-9879 for more information.
Upcoming events
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Moonlight Masquerade
Learn about the darker side of nature through challenges and games in this adults-only evening in the woods.
Birding for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Join us as we bird by sound alone in this program geared toward the blind and visually impaired.
Fall Into Mindfulness
Start your Saturday by slowing down and reconnecting with nature with a guided mindfulness session followed by a peaceful hike.
Latest headlines
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Project Update: Plum Creek Greenway Trail bridge repairs completed
Work to repair the Plum Creek Greenway Trail bridge at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township has been completed and the trail section has reopened. The bridge was damaged when a large tree fell on it.
Woods Walk fulfills Walking Club goals for group from Trinity Services
Group aiming to complete Woods Walk for first time as part of program that encourages making healthy choices.
Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911
Residents can opt in to receive notifications when burns are planned nearby.
Frequently asked questions
There are no costs associated with visiting any of our preserves. Parking is always free, and so is admission to the nature center.
Absolutely. However, dogs must be leashed at all times and must stay on the paved trails. They are not allowed on natural surface trails in this preserve. Dogs are also welcome in the nature center. Cleaning up dog waste is required by Forest Preserve ordinance.
Neither activity is allowed in this pond. However, ice skating is permitted on this body of water when proper conditions exist.
The Big Bridge is about 1.3 miles from the nature center. Closer parking is available near the campgrounds, northeast of the nature center.
Plum Creek Nature Center has a meeting room for rental, equipped with tables and chairs. This is a flexible space perfect for business meetings, training sessions, birthday parties and more.