Springbrook Nature Center and Hiking Paths in Itasca, IL

 

Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca, IL Treats Families to Hiking Trails and Nature Learning


Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca provides two miles of hiking trails and a nature center including resident raptors treating visitor to a nature respite. On a free Sunday afternoon, we explored Springbrook Nature Center to enjoy a little time outside at a new preserve.

Painted turtle enjoying a swim!

Inside the red barn nature center, you will find a few nature exhibits including a nice-sized aquarium. Additionally, there are a few live animal exhibits including a snake, painted turtle and more. Further your nature learning with specimens for hands-on explorations. The nature center is not huge but has elements of interest.

Great horned owl peering at us.

Outside, we visited with birds of prey! Birds of prey living at Springbrook include a great horned owl, barred owl, turkey vulture and more. I was surprised by the number of raptors we were able to visit!

Taking a peek at Spring Brook looking for frogs.

Hiking trails include a woodland trail, a prairie trail and a marsh trail. Portions of some of the trails are on boardwalks which can be fun. The prairie path is a paved trail and the others are blends.

Walking along the boardwalk through the trees at Springbrook Nature Center!

We savored the tree covered paths on a sublime summer day. The preserve does abut against Itasca's water park. So, in the summer months you may hear summer tunes and children having fun in the sun. However, I do wonder how the preserve feels in the fall as the leaves turn and the atmosphere is quieter.

Spectacular view of calm Spring Brook.

Springbrook Nature Center is not far from the Itasca Caribbean Water Park, Itasca Community Library and Itasca Historical Depot Museum. Springbrook Nature Center is a nice little spot for a nature uplift and can also provide for a wonderful day for families with combining with other nearby attractions. Plus, keep your eye out for events and snowshoeing in winter!