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Wildwood Nature Center
529 Forestview • (847) 692-3570

The Wildwood Prairie has been recognized as a Certified Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary by the Illinois Audubon Society. This certification recognizes that Wildwood's plantings have been chosen especially to provide food and shelter to birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Visitor Hours
Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Nature Nook (Open June 1 - August 23)
Saturdays, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Enjoy Critter Connection Every Saturday at 10:15am
Get up close to a Wildwood animal during a short, family-friendly presentation.


Admission to Wildwood is FREE
During your visit you’ll find an animal exhibit room with a turtle pond, snapping turtle, Northern Bobwhite Quail, snakes, prairie dogs, and much more. You can also visit our new Nature Nook, an interactive educational area complete with books, puzzles, puppets, games, and activities.

Each month you can explore a different nature topic! The Wildwood Nature Center is located at the east end of Maine Park, behind the Maine Park Leisure Center.

At the Nature Center

  • Live Animal Displays
  • Turtle Pond
  • Interactive Exhibits
  • Birthday Parties
  • Environmental Programs
  • Scout Programs
  • School Group Programs (Click here for our Elementary School Program Flyer.)

In the Park

  • Butterfly Garden
  • Self-Guided Tree Walk
  • Walking Paths
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Fishing Ponds
  • Campfire Pit (for use during Park District led programs)
  • Prairie Demonstration Garden
  • Rain Garden

Fun & Unique Classes at Wildwood

Looking for something unique to do? Check out or Wildwood Nature Center programs for kids and environmental classes for adults.

Birthday Packages at Wildwood

Looking for a ‘wild’ time? You can find it here at a Wildwood Nature Center Birthday Party! Parties are held Saturdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm or 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and during available times Monday through Friday, availability is dependent on class schedule. Click here for details.


Wildwood Nature Center Newsletters

July-09 | Aug-09 | Sep-09 | Oct-09 | Nov-09 | Dec-09 | Jan-10 |

Mar-10 | May-10 | June-10


BE GREEN! Order a Rain Barrel and Conserve Water while Saving Money

Park Ridge Park District is currently offering residents a chance to order Rain Barrels that will help you capture rain water for use in watering lawns, garden, and indoor plants. Click here to read more and download the order form.


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