Guided Hikes

Join us for an LGBTQ+ campfire, a welcoming evening of community, connection, and relaxation. Gather around the fire to enjoy the beauty of Forest Park Nature Center, share stories, meet new people, and spend time outdoors in an inclusive and supportive space. Please preregister for this program.

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 2026 Water and Environment Grant. Please register for this program. Sign up to volunteer here!

Unplug, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Join Yogi Janie for a refreshing session of outdoor yoga and meditation, featuring a mindful hike and guided journaling. All supplies will be provided. This program is possible with the generous support from Stella O’Hanlon Family. Ages 16+ $5/Person for all registrants  

Do you love hiking with your pups? What about making new friends? Here is your chance! Join one of our Naturalist for a lovely stroll through the woods at Camp Wokanda with your loyal companion. This event is for socialized dogs who do well in group settings. All dogs MUST be on a 6ft leash. Any participants under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the lower parking lot. Please register for this… Read Full Post

Forest Park Nature Center is hosting a welcome walk for community members of all ages and all ability levels! This inclusive activity welcomes participants of every fitness and mobility level to experience the beauty of nature together. The hike will follow a flat, accessible trail with plenty of rest stops, shade, and opportunities to observe plants and wildlife. Along the path, we will be stopping to engage multiple senses through nature. FPNC staff and HISRA… Read Full Post

Slow down, engage your senses, and find inspiration in the outdoors. Join us for a unique program combining art and mindfulness. We will begin with an insightful presentation, followed by a hands-on creative practice session in nature. Art supplies and refreshments will be provided. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Stella O’Hanlon Family. Registration is required.

Unwind and re-center at Forest Park Nature Center. In this special program, a naturalist will introduce our self-guided mindfulness walk and guide participants through the reflective exercises in Stella’s Path: A Guide to Mindful Reflection in Nature. Date: 10/25/26 Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm Cost: FREE This program is made possible through the generous support of the Stella O’Hanlon Family.

Adults are invited to learn the history of Forest Park Nature Center and Nature Preserve. Come and listen to creepy tales Forest Park past and present. After, guests will have the opportunity to hike to some of the locations mentioned in the presentation! Be prepared to travel at least one mile as the sun sets. This is an 16+ hike Please register for this program. Fees: $7/person | Members: FREE

Join us for a Women’s only trek and celebrate Halloween. Hike friendly costumes are encouraged. 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 2 hours depending on breaks. This is a harder level hike with slopes. Bring water, snacks, appropriate hiking gear, layers, closed toed shoes etc. This is an 18+ hike… Read Full Post

Are you interested in learning more about the birds that migrate through Peoria? Are you wanting to learn about nature and birds? Then Migratory Bird Hikes are for you. Everyone is welcome to attend Migratory Bird Hikes, from nature lovers, to photographers. Meet at the Forest Park Nature Center building with a quick introduction. Bring your binoculars, water, hiking clothes etc. In addition, binoculars will be available for loan. Most hikes are low-impact. Please pre-register… Read Full Post