Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center One of six Nature Centers of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Like and follow to learn more about upcoming programs!
(540)

Connect with the historic past of the Palos Hills at The Little Red Schoolhouse. Built in 1886 amidst farms, woods, and prairie, the schoolhouse replaced a log cabin school and hosted generations of children. Now hikers enjoy country lanes once used by its students. Originally located on the Black Oak Trail at old 99th Street, the schoolhouse was moved in 1932 to Camp Kiwanis by a local resident u

sing only one mule and log rollers. Classes continued there until 1948. In 1952 it was moved to its present site, and in 1955 reopened as a unique, new kind of school. In place of reading, writing, and arithmetic, children and adults learn about plants, animals, and the natural world around us. The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is the largest urban forest preserve district in the United States. It receives an estimated 40 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This natural heritage offers something for everyone. This policy has been created for the Forest Preserves of Cook County and its social media followers/visitors to share news, ideas and events. We welcome engagement and feedback, but comments posted by a member of the public are the opinion of the poster only, and do not necessarily imply endorsement of or reflect the opinions or policies of the Forest Preserves. Comments containing any of the following content will not be permitted and are subject to removal and/or restriction at any time and without prior notice:

Obscene, sexual or pornographic content and/or language
Content that promotes discrimination by the government on the basis of race, age, religion, gender or other protected class
Private, personal information published without consent
True threats to any person
Conduct that violates any federal, state, or local law or encourages illegal activity
Spam, commercial promotions or links to malware or viruses
Actual defamation
The Forest Preserves reserves the right to deny access to our social media sites for any individual who repeatedly violates the Forest Preserves social media policy, at any time and without prior notice. All comments posted to any Forest Preserves social site are bound by the social media platform’s terms of use or code of conduct. Users who enter private or personal information do so at their own risk, and the Forest Preserves is not responsible for any damages resulting from the public display of, or failure to remove, private or personal information. Content posted on the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s social media sites may be subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and retention under the Local Records Act. This policy and terms of use may be amended from time-to-time, without further notice.

09/06/2026
Feeding TimeLearn about the diets of our ambassador animals, their habitats and observe a feeding demonstration.Sat, Sep...
09/06/2026

Feeding Time

Learn about the diets of our ambassador animals, their habitats and observe a feeding demonstration.

Sat, September 19 • 11:00 am

Call (708) 839-6897 or visit the link below to find out more information about this event:
https://fpdcc.com/event/feeding-time/

📷Kevin Baecker

Birding Across HabitatsNaturalist-led hike searching for birds in woodlands, prairies and wetlands. All birding levels w...
09/05/2026

Birding Across Habitats

Naturalist-led hike searching for birds in woodlands, prairies and wetlands. All birding levels welcome. Binoculars available for loan.

Sat, September 19 • 8:00 am

Call (708) 839-6897 or visit the link below to find out more information about this event:
https://fpdcc.com/event/birding-across-habitats/

📷Kevin Baecker

Annual Palos Night Sky PicnicJoin us for the 3rd Annual Palos Night Sky Picnic!Explore the Palos Preserves at night, nes...
09/04/2026

Annual Palos Night Sky Picnic

Join us for the 3rd Annual Palos Night Sky Picnic!

Explore the Palos Preserves at night, nestled within the largest Urban Night Sky Place. Bring your picnic food, beverages & cocktails (no glass) and chairs to enjoy the evening. Live entertainment, informal exhibits, presentations and telescopes.

Fri, September 18 • 5:00 pm
Rain/cloud date will be Saturday, September 19.

*Registration Required*
Call (708) 839-6897 to register.
Visit the link below for more information:
https://fpdcc.com/event/palos-night-sky-picnic-3/

Join Adaptive Adventures and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for Freedom In Motion Week, a series of adaptive outdoo...
09/02/2026

Join Adaptive Adventures and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for Freedom In Motion Week, a series of adaptive outdoor recreation experiences and provider trainings designed for individuals with disabilities, families, healthcare professionals, and recreation providers. Explore, learn, connect, and discover what's possible through inclusive climbing, cycling, kayaking, and more.

September 8-12

Adaptive Kayaking / Adaptive Climbing / Adaptive Cycling

Check out fpdcc.com/adaptive for complete list of provider trainings and experience and skill development classes.

09/02/2026

Thousands of plants and animals—including over one hundred threatened and endangered species—depend on the natural areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. On this […]

08/31/2026

Birding in the Forest Preserves of Cook County is a rewarding experience—spending time in nature, never knowing which of the hundreds of birds found in […]

Sunrise HikeStep into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of ...
08/30/2026

Sunrise Hike

Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day. Gates and restroom open 15 minutes prior to start time.

Sun, September 13 • 6:00 am

*Registration Required
Call 708-839-6897 to register or visit the link for more information.
https://fpdcc.com/event/sunrise-hike/

R.I.P. StewardshipHelp us restore native habitats – Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & sna...
08/29/2026

R.I.P. Stewardship

Help us restore native habitats – Remove Invasive Plants with bow saws or loppers. Tools, gloves & snack provided. Closed toed shoes & long pants encouraged. Children aged 15 & under w/adult.

Sat, September 12 • 10:00 am

*Registration Required
Call 708-839-6897 to register or visit the link for more information.
https://fpdcc.com/event/r-i-p-stewardship-11/

Moth PicnicJoin us for a nighttime moth attraction hike and see which moths appear on our white sheet under black light....
08/28/2026

Moth Picnic

Join us for a nighttime moth attraction hike and see which moths appear on our white sheet under black light.

Thu, September 10 • 8:00 pm

*Registration Required*
Call (708) 839-6897 to register.

Visit the link below for more information:
https://fpdcc.com/event/moth-picnic-2/

📷Kevin Baecker

Address

9800 Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs, IL
60480

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17088396897

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category