Forest Park Nature Center
Phone: 309.686.3360
5809 North Forest Park Drive
Peoria Heights, IL
Nestled in the heart of Peoria, Forest Park Nature Center is a 540-acre preserve offering a peaceful escape into nature. Visitors can explore over 7 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats including open meadows, lush forests, and prairie landscapes. The Nature Center features an interpretive building with educational exhibits, a bird observation room, and a natural gift shop filled with unique eco-friendly finds. Beyond the trails, Forest Park offers year-round programming—from homeschool classes and nature workshops to guided hikes and seasonal events—inviting all ages to discover, learn, and connect with the outdoors. As a protected Illinois State Nature Preserve, Forest Park serves as a haven for wildlife and a favorite destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and families seeking to experience the natural world right in the Peoria Park District.
Get to Forest Park Nature Center by bus using CityLink. Check out bus routes HERE.