Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Location
Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 419 Trout Farm Road, north of Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.
Hours
Visitor center
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Preserve
April to October: 6 a.m.-sunset
November to March: 8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Hidden Oaks Nature Trail
Note: The road leading down to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, as well as the parking lot, closes each year on Nov. 1 (or after the first snowfall if it occurs sooner) and reopens on April 5. However, the trail leading down to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm is open year-round.
Phone
815-722-4121
(Hidden Oaks Nature Center)
815-722-4612
(Tackle Box bait shop)
Hidden Oaks Nature Center provides visitors a place to engage with and learn about the natural world through hands-on exhibits, live animal displays and interactive experiences for all ages.
Located in Hidden Oaks Preserve, the nature center serves as a hub for nature exploration and outdoor recreation. Visitors can discover local wildlife, participate in educational programs and enjoy family-friendly spaces designed to encourage curiosity and play.
Hidden Oaks offers public programs, school and youth group activities, community events and private rentals, including nature-themed rental packages. Additional amenities include a gift shop, nature playscape and free Forest Preserve publications and trail maps.
Explore the nature center
Inside, visitors can enjoy:
- Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays
- Live reptiles and animal encounters
- Nature play areas
- Events andseasonalexhibitions
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
Hidden Oaks Preserve offers opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation, including walking and biking trails and a picnic shelter.
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm features shoreline fishing access at four ponds as well as the Tackle Box bait shop, which sells bait, tackle and concessions. Fishing poles are also available for free daily use.
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 815-722-4121 for more information.
Upcoming events
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Wild Child
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5.
Kids Fishing Derby
Calling all kids! See if you can reel in a prize at our annual Kids Fishing Derby.
Sidewalk Chalk Contest
Let your creative side shine when you create your own sidewalk chalk masterpiece in our annual contest.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hidden Oaks’ Quercus Room is the perfect spot for a variety of events from birthday parties and baby showers to company meetings and annual gatherings. The room fits 35 seated at tables or 40 theater style. Add-ons like the green roof patio and naturalist-led programs are available for a fee.
Absolutely. However, dogs must be leashed at all times and must stay on the trails. They are also welcome in the nature center. Cleaning up dog waste is required by Forest Preserve ordinance.
There are no costs associated with visiting any of our preserves. Parking is always free, and so is admission to the nature center.
Anyone is allowed to shoreline fish at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. However, individuals who are 16 years of age or older are required to have a current Illinois fishing license. All statewide fishing regulations apply.
The lakes are stocked at the opening of trout season each year and before each fishing derby.
Fish in the lakes include bluegill, sunfish, catfish, bass and trout.
Yes, Hidden Lakes’ Tackle Box bait shop sells a variety of bait including large and medium minnows, nightcrawlers and red worms. The bait shop also sells tackle and concessions.