Heller Nature Center
Heller Nature Center
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
175 within 5 kms
Attractions
115 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
drgr2015
Highland Park, IL36 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Lovely place to hike, catch flora and fauna. I have always liked the way the people that work there explain what they have to see. Good place
Written 18 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
illinois travelere
1,565 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
There is often standing water, especially after a rain -- so bring along some bug repellent. And for sure -- bring your camera!
Prairie, woods, pines, savanna, pond -- it's just a few steps to another vista.
You can reach the pond and observation deck by following the blue trail.
Honey from from apiary is available in stick form -- 25 cents each or 5 for $1.00 -- a tasty and practical souvenir.
The Center's Prairie Room is available for rental -- I have attended many lovely functions there. The nonresident rate is $105 an hour.
You say you'd rather have a campfire? The outdoor Fire Ring accommodates up to 25 people and can be rented for $50 an hour -- bring your own marshmallows (the only food that can be cooked over the fire).
Heller is a very special place.
Prairie, woods, pines, savanna, pond -- it's just a few steps to another vista.
You can reach the pond and observation deck by following the blue trail.
Honey from from apiary is available in stick form -- 25 cents each or 5 for $1.00 -- a tasty and practical souvenir.
The Center's Prairie Room is available for rental -- I have attended many lovely functions there. The nonresident rate is $105 an hour.
You say you'd rather have a campfire? The outdoor Fire Ring accommodates up to 25 people and can be rented for $50 an hour -- bring your own marshmallows (the only food that can be cooked over the fire).
Heller is a very special place.
Written 27 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
illinois travelere
1,565 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
On 97 acres, the Center has two educational buildings, a bee apiary, picnic tables, 3 miles of well-marked hiking trails (dogs allowed), plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and so on.
The Interpretive Center has a 450-gallon aquarium featuring native fish, a beehive cross-section, locally-harvested honey for sale (honey harvesting starts in late August), etc.
The Goodman Cabin has exhibits about spiderwebs, bird nests; hornets nests, animal burrows, and other creature homes. A nice touch is a collection of Lincoln Logs and other blocks for young visitors to practice designing and building their own mini take-apart cabins.
It won't take long to visit the inside exhibits, but as you follow the trails, you can take your time as you view and enjoy wildflowers, oak-hickory forests, tall grass prairie, oak savanna, and natural wetlands.
The Interpretive Center has a 450-gallon aquarium featuring native fish, a beehive cross-section, locally-harvested honey for sale (honey harvesting starts in late August), etc.
The Goodman Cabin has exhibits about spiderwebs, bird nests; hornets nests, animal burrows, and other creature homes. A nice touch is a collection of Lincoln Logs and other blocks for young visitors to practice designing and building their own mini take-apart cabins.
It won't take long to visit the inside exhibits, but as you follow the trails, you can take your time as you view and enjoy wildflowers, oak-hickory forests, tall grass prairie, oak savanna, and natural wetlands.
Written 15 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldtraverler2018
Highland Park, IL12 contributions
Dec 2017
Wilmette, Illinois has a hidden gem. This public area looks small from the entrance but is actually a large public area that is very pleasant to walk through. It is adjacent to the animal clinic and is entered thru Skokie Road .
There is a parking lot and it is free of charge to park and wander through this gift to the public.
There is a parking lot and it is free of charge to park and wander through this gift to the public.
Written 7 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scottagordonsg
Highland Park, IL197 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
The Heller Nature Center is a wonderful, immersive and interactive nature center run by the Highland Park Park district and benefiting all of the North Shore. The Center specializes in avian (bird related) studies and courses but has a wealth of all around attractions for the entire family
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dpint1300
Waukegan, IL6 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
good place for waling in nature , birding and photograhy.. nice easy trails. If youre lucky might be able to find an Owl..
Written 18 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eb J
Lake Forest, IL1 contribution
Mar 2016 • Solo
This was a nice "preserve" until the trees and habitats were destroyed by what must be some invasive species cull. About 75% of the forest has been wiped out by chainsaws. Now the deer can't even hide because someone decided the right type of tree isn't in there. A real loss for all the small animals and birds that were kicked out as a result.
Written 11 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam F
Chicago, IL45 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Hosted our daughter's rehearsal dinner at HNC. May be a bit of an odd choice, but it was perfect for this perfect couple. The staff worked with us ahead of time to ensure that we had the tables and chairs we needed, they were set up exactly as we requested when we arrived. We also used the fire ring and the bonfire was set up and ready when we were. The walking paths and "Wander Woods" were beautiful with the fall foliage.
What a great night!
What a great night!
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
illinois travelere
1,565 contributions
Sept 2021
Heller Honey is now on sale! Purchase your honey at the Center, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The cost is $11 a jar. There are also honey sticks for 25 cents each or 5 for $1.
Heller bees gather nectar from local plants, including bee balm, linden, acacia, honeysuckle and other fragrant blossoms. There is research which supports the theory that local honey-- obtained as close as possible to where you live--may help build an immunity to some seasonal allergies. There are other health benefits as well. Plus this stuff is very flavourful.
Whilst you are there, be sure to walk some or all of the three miles of trails, including the Story Trail.
See my earlier reviews (June 15, 2014; October 27, 2018; and May 27, 2020) for more details.
Heller bees gather nectar from local plants, including bee balm, linden, acacia, honeysuckle and other fragrant blossoms. There is research which supports the theory that local honey-- obtained as close as possible to where you live--may help build an immunity to some seasonal allergies. There are other health benefits as well. Plus this stuff is very flavourful.
Whilst you are there, be sure to walk some or all of the three miles of trails, including the Story Trail.
See my earlier reviews (June 15, 2014; October 27, 2018; and May 27, 2020) for more details.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
illinois travelere
1,565 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Heller Nature Center’s Wander Woods Nature Play Space is an unstructured natural area for children with sections featuring one-word signs and the tools to carry out the suggested activities. Dress for a mess.
For example, "DIG" provides spades in two sizes; "BUILD" provides logs and twigs; "SPLASH" provides a small pump and hose; "LISTEN" provides a pebble harp; "CREATE" provides a panel and an attached brush for mud designs; etc. There is a two-story club house built around a tree, with stump seating on the ground level, and a wooden ladder to reach the second story. Other possibilities for creative play are wheel barrels; pails; a "TUNNEL" to walk through; and a planked walk to follow.
Wander Woods is near the main building which has indoor exhibits, as well as washrooms and drinking fountains.
For example, "DIG" provides spades in two sizes; "BUILD" provides logs and twigs; "SPLASH" provides a small pump and hose; "LISTEN" provides a pebble harp; "CREATE" provides a panel and an attached brush for mud designs; etc. There is a two-story club house built around a tree, with stump seating on the ground level, and a wooden ladder to reach the second story. Other possibilities for creative play are wheel barrels; pails; a "TUNNEL" to walk through; and a planked walk to follow.
Wander Woods is near the main building which has indoor exhibits, as well as washrooms and drinking fountains.
Written 27 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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