Guided Hikes

The forests and prairies of Peoria are waiting to be discovered. Join our Naturalists as we explore the Prairie out at Tawny Oaks Field Station. We will take a stroll through a reclaimed prairie and discuss the importance of this vanishing ecosystem. Bring sunscreen, water, and sturdy footwear for this hike. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. Please email kparke@peoriaparks.org ahead of time with questions or concerns. Fees are $5 per person or FREE… Read Full Post

The forests and prairies of Peoria are waiting to be discovered. All spiders produce silk, but not all make webs. After an interactive session learning about Illinois spiders and their silk, families will be guided through the preserve by a naturalist to look for spiders and spider webs. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. Please email kparke@peoriaparks.org ahead of time with questions or concerns. Fees are $5 per person or FREE for FPNC members.

Join us for a hike at Detweiller Park for a Women’s Only Trek. Connect with other adult Women who like hiking, nature and meeting new people. There will be a short introduction and then we will be on our way. Prepare for hiking about 1.5 hours depending on breaks and will begin at the Parks on Tap location. This trail has slopes. After the hike, stop at Parks on Tap to enjoy the food, drinks… Read Full Post

How do animals see differently from us? Many birds, insects, and other animals can see light in the ultraviolet spectrum. Join Artist Whitney Johnson-Lessard and Forest Park Nature Center’s Naturalists on a night hike through the Forest Park Nature Preserve at night. We will explore and discover the trail using UV flashlights and UV-protective glasses. We can imagine how the world might look through the eyes of those who share the forest with us. This… Read Full Post

Turtles, and lizards and snakes! Oh My! Join our Naturalists as we learn about the scaley friends that call Illinois home! We will learn who lives here, where they live, and what makes them so unique. We may even be able to find some out in the Nature Preserve. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. Please email kparke@peoriaparks.org ahead of time with questions or concerns. Fees are $5 per person or FREE for FPNC… Read Full Post

As the day winds down and longer shadows blanket the forest floor, join us for a mindful walk in the woods. We will slow our pace and use our senses to fully experience the forest as it transitions to night. We will use mindful techniques to engage with the nature around us. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and nurture mindfulness. Please register for this program. This is for Forest Park Members… Read Full Post

Connect with other men who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and forging new connections. We'll meet at Ancient Oaks Day Camp building at Sommer Farm. This hike will last about an hour. Afterward, gather by the fire to swap stories and build camaraderie. Please register for this program. For men 21 years old and older. Welcoming Walks are Free!

If you drink coffee, and also want to help birds, Peoria Audubon suggests coffee with 'Bird Friendly' certification - the only coffee certification that addresses the biodiversity of the coffee plantation! Taste some Bird Friendly coffee and enjoy watching birds at Forest Park with folks from Peoria Audubon. You can learn more about this certification at the Peoria Audubon meeting at the Forest Park Nature Center on September 10th at 7pm. For those 13+. Free;… Read Full Post

Spend a morning cleaning up trash along the Illinois River shores, making a tangible impact in our community! Volunteers will be assigned to a specific site along the Illinois River. This project is made possible by American Water Charitable Foundation's 2025 Water and Environment Grant. Sign up to volunteer here!

Join us for a 2-mile moderate level hike designed to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature in a supportive space, this walk is a great way to connect, explore, and relax. Bring water, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection, closed toed shoes, etc. Please preregister for this program. For those 18+. Welcoming Walks are Free.

Yellow, red, orange, purple… this time of year the forest turns into a beautiful kaleidoscope of color! Join our naturalists on a family friendly walk in the woods as we admire the natural beauty of the Autumn Woodland. Registration is required. All ages welcome. $5/Person; Members are Free