Hawthorne Hill Nature Center

Call Directions Website

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center Hawthorne Hill Nature Center provides a place for the community to recreate in the outdoors. Turn right (north) on Airlite Street. Follow Foothill Road.

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is the perfect place to enjoy and learn about the natural landscapes that surround our region. The nature center provides year round opportunities for experiencing nature. Explore the trails to witness the rich fall colors, snow-frosted trees, spring wildflowers, summer amphibians, and an ever changing host of birds. Hawthorne Hill is an excellent place to relax, recreate and explore the natural world providing two ponds, acres of woodland, a mile of looped trails, and an interactive nature center. The 67-acre natural area that flanks both sides of Brookside Drive has trails that lead to the 2 pond and sedge meadow, as well as wide, wood-chipped trails to access other areas. Please bring your family and friends out to craft your own nature experience or enjoy family-friendly programs offered by Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. Visit www.cityofelgin.org/recreation to register for programs and find information on volunteer opportunities and building rentals. To view the trail and property map, visit cityofelgin.org/HHNCmap

DIRECTIONS:

From Downtown Elgin:

Go west on Larkin Avenue. Make an immediate left onto Foothill Road. west approximately 1/3 mile to Brookside Drive and make a right (north). The nature center is immediately on your left. From I-90:

Take Randall Road south. Turn left at Foothill Road. Brookside Dr. will be the first street on your left (north). Make a left on Brookside Drive.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Owl Prowl today!Wings And Talons gave a great presentation on Birds of Prey and ...
10/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Owl Prowl today!

Wings And Talons gave a great presentation on Birds of Prey and the amazing work that they do. We followed up their program with an owl pellet dissection workshop. Our owls ate voles, mice, rats, and even a few birds for dinner! They were eating good!

As always, one big and final Thank You to our wonderful sponsor of our program, the Elgin Parks & Recreation Foundation! We appreciate all the help you do to make these programs possible for us.

It was a very satisfying workday thanks to our volunteers Lisa Reinertson, Caroline, Kamal, Jas, John, and Nicole Hayley...
10/10/2026

It was a very satisfying workday thanks to our volunteers Lisa Reinertson, Caroline, Kamal, Jas, John, and Nicole Hayley Lewellyn! The Morton Arboretum’s generous donation of new restoration equipment have found a home in our fresh cleaned and organized garage! We even had some spooky birdhouse makeovers.

Gorgeous fall days are perfect for taking in our “Wandering with Wonder” nature therapy trail, with special thanks to Th...
10/10/2026

Gorgeous fall days are perfect for taking in our “Wandering with Wonder” nature therapy trail, with special thanks to The Conservation Foundation.

Address

28 Brookside Drive
Elgin, IL
60123

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+18475317055

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