Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook remains closed as the site is remodeled and improved. 

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but promise to be an asset to the community and a great place to visit upon our grand reopening,” said Angie Trobaugh, facility supervisor at Hidden Oaks.

In addition to the building being closed, the Hidden Oaks Preserve area around the nature center also is closed for safety reasons during construction. This includes the parking lot, the shelter/pavilion and the nature trail behind the building. The renovations will not affect Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, which is located in the northern part of the Hidden Oaks Preserve. 

The interior and exterior work at Hidden Oaks Nature Center is designed to convert the former Bolingbrook Park District site, which was purchased by the Forest Preserve in February 2022, into a nature center tailored to Forest Preserve-type exhibits and activities. 

“This is a long time coming and very strategic on our part,” Trobaugh said. “We completed a conceptual design plan for the exhibits in 2023 and now we are really excited to see the plan come to life for the community.”

The project will include architectural changes to the interior of the building and new exhibits. 

Once the interior of the building is renovated, exhibit work will provide new design features throughout the first floor. 

"The new and improved Hidden Oaks will encourage local community members to discover their natural world through interactive exhibits, educational programs, outdoor spaces and hands-on natural play," Trobaugh explained. 

The Hidden Oaks Nature Center sites closed in February and is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025.