Four Rivers is an inclusive destination, connecting visitors to conservation through dynamic, educational programs, recreational opportunities, community engagement, and facility rentals for people of all abilities.
What does it mean to be an inclusive facility?
As an inclusive facility, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center incorporates inclusion into its mission. This means that everyone, regardless of ability level, can engage, enjoy and learn together. Our facility, programs, exhibits and amenities are presented in a way that allows everyone to participate together.
What amenities do you offer to the public inside the visitor center?
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center offers accessible exhibit spaces, hands-on interactive learning stations, exhibit guides with instructions for all exhibits, and buddy bags for those needing sensory assistance during their visit. These bags include fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and other therapeutic tools. They are available for any visitor to our facility. Additionally, a quiet space is typically available in one of the classrooms, and includes a calming tent, weighted blanket, multiple sensory tools and other therapeutic resources to help provide a calming space until the individual is ready to continue their exploration. For those who want to explore the preserve's trails, an all-terrain wheelchair is available for check-out. Learn more about the GRIT Freedom Chair in the additional resources section on this page.
What amenities do you offer to the public outside the visitor center?
Outside the education center is the All-Persons Trail, a paved trail with informative sensory kiosks, tactile wayfinding maps, and rumble strip indicators. Portable audio players are available with an audio version of the information, in both English and Spanish, on each kiosk. Finally, 2.5 miles of paved, accessible trails cross the preserve, allowing access to the waterfront, prairie and woodlands.
Are adult day programs eligible to participate in field trips or youth group programs?
Yes! Adult day programs are able to request any of our field trips or youth group programs. The process will work the same for either type of program. Once a request is submitted via the website, our staff will contact the adult day program coordinator and work with them to design the program with appropriate accommodations for the participants.
How can I request a specific accommodation so that I can fully participate in a program or rental?
For any facility-specific accommodations, you can call the Four Rivers visitor center directly at 815-722-9470, and staff can discuss the available options. For a program-specific request, you can submit an accommodation request form. Please submit any accommodation request at least 48 hours prior to the start of the program to give our staff time to secure the accommodations.
Can you accommodate therapeutic school groups?
Yes, both therapeutic day schools and public inclusion classrooms are encouraged to register for educational programs offered at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Isle a la Cache Museum and Plum Creek Nature Center. Once a program is selected and a date reserved, teachers work directly with our naturalist staff to create appropriate accommodations or adaptations needed for the students. These accommodations may include social stories, visual resources, auditory resources, adaptive tools, etc., depending on the program, activity, and facility.
Additional resources available for visitors
Four Rivers communication boards: For those individuals who utilize image boards for communication, this download includes a custom-designed set of boards specific to Four Rivers, the surrounding preserve and the various subject matter found here, including things to do inside, things to do outside, in the water, mammals, bugs, trees/plants and birds. Laminated and bound copies of these boards are also available at the Four Rivers front desk for your use. Additional facility-specific communication boards can be found at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Isle a la Cache Museum and Plum Creek Nature Center.
Four Rivers visual schedule creator: For those individuals who benefit from the use of a visual schedule, this download includes a visual schedule board and images to help plan a day at Four Rivers. A laminated and Velcro copy of this schedule is available for use at the Four Rivers front desk if you are unable to prepare one ahead of time.
GRIT Freedom Chair – Spartan Model: The GRIT chair is a lever-driven, all-terrain wheelchair designed for outdoor use. It features rugged mountain bike wheels, a large stable front wheel, and optional trail handles for assisted use. Riders propel the chair by pushing the levers forward and brake by pulling them back, which can also help with turning. The chair weighs 46 pounds, has an 18-inch-wide seat with a comfort cushion, and includes a seatbelt that should be worn at all times. While it accommodates a wide range of users — ages 3 to 94, with a maximum weight of 300 pounds — it’s recommended that users consult their doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for their abilities.
The GRIT chair is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and is limited to use within McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove. To check availability, visitors can call 815-722-9470. A personal item is held during checkout and returned when the chair is brought back, which must be done by 3:30 p.m. Staff can assist with stabilizing the chair but cannot help lift or transfer individuals, so users needing assistance should bring a companion.
For safety, users must wear shoes (preferably closed-toe) and are encouraged to wear a helmet. The chair is designed to be easier to operate than traditional push-rim wheelchairs, requiring moderate forward strength and minimal effort to reset the levers. It cannot move backward with the levers engaged, though they can be removed if needed. Normal wear and tear of the chair is expected, but misuse or damage outside of guidelines may result in repair or replacement costs.
