Home » Places to Go » Locations » Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits and self-guided trails.
On this page:
- Trails
- Upcoming Events
- Accessible Garden
- History
- Volunteer Opportunities
- NPS Cancellation Stamps
- Rules
Location, Hours & Things to Do
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Entrance
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Phone
708-839-6897
Maps
Web Map of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature CenterPDF Map of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature CenterPDF Mapa Español de Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Nature Center
- Nature Play
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Trail Access
- No Fishing
- Birding Hotspot
- Volunteer Opportunities
- No Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies.
Hours
Mar - Oct: 9am - 5pm, closed FridaysNov - Feb: 9am - 4pm, closed FridaysClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
Closures & Alerts
Trails
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Trails
Explore the Little Red Schoolhouse grounds on three unpaved walking trails or the paved accessible garden trail. Connect to the Palos Trail System to extend your walk.
Location: Willow Springs
Maps
Web Map of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center TrailsPDF Map of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center TrailsPDF Mapa Español de Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Trails
Surface
Paved & Unpaved
Estimated Total Length
2.5 miles
Things to Do
- No Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies.
Hours
Mar - Oct: 8 am - 5 pmNov - Feb: 8 am - 4 pmClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
Closures & Alerts
*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.
Palos Trail System
The extensive and varied Palos Trail System winds through rolling hills and deep ravines, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Location: Hickory Hills, Justice, Palos Hills & Willow Springs
Maps
Web Map of Palos Trail SystemPDF Map of Palos Trail SystemPDF Mapa Español de Palos Trail System
Surface
Unpaved
Estimated Total Length
42.1 miles
Things to Do
- Bicycling
- Dogs (on-leash only)
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Equestrian
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset
Closures & Alerts
*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.
Upcoming Events
Loading view.
Events Search and Views Navigation
Event Views Navigation
- List
Today
Event SeriesNature’s Art Box
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Come join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
The time has finally come to celebrate the emergence of the 17-year cicadas! Join us on the summer solstice as […]
Forest Photography
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Use your camera to observe nature on a guided photography walk. All levels and camera types. Ages 13 & up.
Event SeriesCub Scout Adventure Series
Cub Scout Adventure Series
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480A nature-related scout adventure will be offered and achieved. Jun 23: Wolf Level Jul 28: Bear Level Aug 25: Webelos […]
Nature Discovery Field Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 10-11 will explore the outdoors through fishing, birdwatching, insect discovery, treasure hunts and hands-on animal encounters. Snacks included. […]
$50
Ophidiophobia
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Are you afraid of snakes? Overcome your phobia by gaining a healthy understanding of these misunderstood reptiles.
Event SeriesYoga
Yoga
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy an all-levels yoga class indoors with a certified instructor, then stay for a self-guided walk after the program. Ages […]
Event SeriesI am a Scientist
I am a Scientist
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages […]
Event SeriesFridays in the Field
Fridays in the Field
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through inquiry-based activities. Jul 5 & Jul 12 […]
Fossil Fun
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Become an amateur paleontologist and learn how to discover fossils in your own backyard while learning about the past. Ages […]
Bats Under a Dark Sky
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Wonder what species of bats live in our area? Using bat monitors, we will seek out these flying mammals while […]
Young Naturalists Field Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Children ages 8-9 will immerse themselves in nature through hiking, field experiments and hands-on wildlife discovery. Snacks provided. Registration opens […]
$35
- Google Calendar
- iCalendar
- Outlook 365
- Outlook Live
- Export .ics file
- Export Outlook .ics file
All Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Events
Field Trips & Hybrid Learning
Our hybrid learning and field trip offerings allow teachers, parents and youth leaders to use forest preserves and nature centers as an outdoor (or virtual) classroom. Our hybrid learning programs serve kindergarten through 12th grade students and meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), while our field trips serve everyone from pre-K to adult learners.
Contact one of our nature centers or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov for more information or to discuss programs tailored to your learning objectives.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480 (view web map of Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center)
708-839-6897
Accessible Garden
This 6,000-square-foot garden with accessible trail encourages people of all abilities to physically interact with nature. The garden features several flower beds (five of them are raised and accessible), interpretive signage lining an ADA compliant concrete walkway and a sensory water feature.
The interpretive signs throughout the garden describe native plants and animals, with each name featured in tactile English letters alongside Spanish, Polish, Braille and American Sign Language translations.
From the garden, the accessible trail winds through the prairie and down to Long John Slough, inspiring people to immerse themselves in nature, rather than just observe it from the sidelines. The path is just under a half-mile long and is 100% ADA compliant.
History
Visitors can connect with the historic past of the Palos Hills at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Built in 1886 amidst farms, woods and prairie, the schoolhouse replaced a log cabin school and hosted generations of children. Originally located on the Black Oak Trail at old 99th Street, the schoolhouse was moved in 1932 to Camp Kiwanis by a local resident using horses and log rollers. Classes continued there until 1948.
In 1952 it was moved to its present site, and in 1955 reopened as a unique, new kind of school. In place of reading, writing and arithmetic, children and adults learn about plants, animals and the natural world around us.
Volunteer Opportunities
Did you know the oak woodland is more endangered than the tropical rain forest? Help remove invasive plants so the oaks can have sunlight and space once again. Gloves, tools, goggles, and light refreshments are provided.
NPS Cancellation Stamps
The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has National Park Service cancellation stamps available for the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.
Call 708-839-6897 to arrange a time to receive a stamp at 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480.
Nature Center Rules
- Pets are not permitted on Nature Center grounds, including the parking lots.
- Nature Centers are unable to accept injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife.
- For your safety and for the protection of natural areas, please stay on marked trails. Trails are for hiking only.
- Bicycles are only allowed in Nature Center parking lots, or at provided bike racks.
- For the benefit of other visitors and wildlife, please maintain respectful noise levels at all times.
- Picnicking is not permitted on Nature Center grounds. An adjacent picnic grove can be opened for pre-registered groups on weekdays.
- Food or drink is not permitted in Nature Center buildings.
- With the exception of water or sports bottles, food and drink are not permitted on Nature Center trails. Please dispose of litter in proper receptacles.
- Collecting of any kind is prohibited, as is the use of metal detectors. The fine for picking wildflowers is $500.
- For the protection of animals and visitors alike, please do not feed the wildlife.
- Be mindful of closing times for trails, the Nature Center building and parking lot.
- Please report safety hazards or suspicious activities to the Nature Center staff.
- Cross-country skiing is not permitted on Nature Center trails.
- First Timers Learn the Fun of Camping in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
- The Cicadas are Coming! And You Should Hear Them, Not Fear Them
- Help the Forest Preserves ‘Map’ the Sounds of Cicadas
- Former General Superintendent Honored by Illinois State Lawmakers
- Spark a Life-Long Hobby
View All News »
