Pilcher Park Nature Center

Pilcher Park Nature Center The purpose of the Joliet Park District page is to inform the public about the Park District’s programs, activities, events and news.
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Located at the western edge of Pilcher Park is our log cabin Nature Center, where you can visit our animal, hike the trails and/or sign up for one of our programs. This page is not monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week and, as such, posts and responses from the Park District should not be immediately expected. The Park District typically monitors this site during office hours (Monday - Friday, 8a

m-4pm). The views and opinions expressed on this page by other Facebook members do not reflect the opinions or policies of the Joliet Park District. The Joliet Park District reserves the right to remove any content the Park District deems abusive, unlawful, obscene, profane, defamatory, threatening, harassing, slanderous, hateful, offensive, misleading or false, promotes discrimination, contains sexual content or links to sexual conduct, encourages legal activity, promotes violence, or violates any state, federal or local law, rule, or regulation.

Moths, Marshmallows, and Moonlight is another new program at the Nature Center! Register today!
09/04/2026

Moths, Marshmallows, and Moonlight is another new program at the Nature Center! Register today!

Come to the Bright Side ✨

Join us for an evening dedicated to one of nature’s most overlooked insects! We’ll start with a short talk about moths and their important role in the ecosystem, while you enjoy moth themed coloring pages and a weather permitting campfire. Then, we’ll take a guided hike to a lighted moth sheet to observe these fascinating insects up close and discover which species call Pilcher Park home.

🌙 Friday | September 18
🕡 6:30p-8:30p
🥾 Ages 7+ | $8
🙌 Pilcher Park Nature Center - 2501 Highland Dr. Joliet, IL

REGISTER > https://ow.ly/YYRO50ZxIKc

Join us for a guided reading of a story and craft! Great program for you littles!
09/04/2026

Join us for a guided reading of a story and craft! Great program for you littles!

📚🌿 Storybook Trail: Stories, Hikes & Crafts!
Join us for a guided hike in the woods on our Storybook Trail! We will read a story to you as you walk along the trail and then come back to the Nature Center to make a fun craft. The stories and crafts will be related to the current season. The storybook trail is natural and unpaved.

🗓️ Mon | 10-11a
🌟 Sep 14 | Oct 12 | Nov 16
🧒 Ages 2-6 w/adult | $5/child
📍 Pilcher Park Nature Center
* A non-paying adult must accompany each registrant.

📌 REGISTER > https://JOLIETPARK.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=4720

Fall Into Ceramics is September 26th 9-2pm. ALL AGES! Prices vary based on the piece(s) you pick. Ceramics start at $4 a...
09/04/2026

Fall Into Ceramics is September 26th 9-2pm. ALL AGES! Prices vary based on the piece(s) you pick. Ceramics start at $4 and go up to $40 depending on the piece.

Erik the Fungi expert is excited to share his wealth of mushroom ID knowledge with you. Sign up today!
09/04/2026

Erik the Fungi expert is excited to share his wealth of mushroom ID knowledge with you. Sign up today!

Check out our new Fall event! Lots of activities and crafts! Incredible Bats will be presenting bats and other spooky an...
09/04/2026

Check out our new Fall event! Lots of activities and crafts! Incredible Bats will be presenting bats and other spooky animals at 10 AM. A costume contest at 11:30 AM. Register today!

Fall Into Ceramics is coming soon!
08/29/2026

Fall Into Ceramics is coming soon!

Check out a new program at the Nature Center!
08/27/2026

Check out a new program at the Nature Center!

Moth-er Nature's Night Crew ✨

Join us for an evening dedicated to one of nature’s most overlooked insects! We’ll start with a short talk about moths and their important role in the ecosystem, while you enjoy moth themed coloring pages and a weather permitting campfire. Then, we’ll take a guided hike to a lighted moth sheet to observe these fascinating insects up close and discover which species call Pilcher Park home.

🌙 Friday | September 18
🕡 6:30p-8:30p
🥾 Ages 7+ | $8
🙌 Pilcher Park Nature Center - 2501 Highland Dr. Joliet, IL

REGISTER > https://ow.ly/jGXX50ZxIMY

Fall Storybook Trail and Craft dates and times!
08/27/2026

Fall Storybook Trail and Craft dates and times!

📚🌿 Storybook Trail: Stories, Hikes & Crafts!
Join us for a guided hike in the woods on our Storybook Trail! We will read a story to you as you walk along the trail and then come back to the Nature Center to make a fun craft. The stories and crafts will be related to the current season. The storybook trail is natural and unpaved.

🗓️ Mon | 10-11a
🌟 Sep 14 | Oct 12 | Nov 16
🧒 Ages 2-6 w/adult | $5/child
📍 Pilcher Park Nature Center
* A non-paying adult must accompany each registrant.

📌 REGISTER > https://JOLIETPARK.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=4720

08/25/2026

We know the recent storms have impacted several trails and bridges throughout Pilcher Park, and we understand how frustrating the closures and limited access can be.

Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to assess the damage, address urgent needs, and restore Pilcher Park and our other parks back to normal. For everyone’s safety, please follow all caution tape, barricades, and posted closures.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the storm damage.

08/12/2026

The Nature Center is still without power so we are closed today including our Nature Babies class for 8/12. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Address

2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL
60432

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

(815) 741-7277

Website

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