Discover Chicagoland’s Indoor Nature Treasures This Winter

In winter’s dreary weather, adults and children can still get a dose of the outdoors by visiting free local nature centers in the Chicago area. Many of these indoor mini-museums feature live animals such as Al, a 130-year-old alligator snapping turtle found in southern Illinois; the small, elusive tiger salamander that lives in the Chicago region; and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, which aren’t native, but help teach visitors about invertebrates.

Seeing these animals is a great way to stave off January boredom after the holidays and can help visitors learn about wildlife they might not otherwise encounter, according to local nature center staff members.

“We bring the outside indoors so people can see what could be outside right in their own back yard,” says Kelly Hidy, customer service and operations supervisor for The Grove Interpretive Center, in Glenview (GlenviewParks.org/facilities/the-grove).

The Grove, a National Historic Landmark, contains trails and historical information about horticulturist John Kennicott and his son, Robert Kennicott, founder of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, who lived and studied science there. Visitors can view a Native American village, a log cabin, a schoolhouse and the Interpretive Center.

The new Discovery Room, which opened in October inside the Interpretive Center, features a landform exhibit where visitors can explore the natural areas of northern Illinois.

“The great thing about the Discovery Room is that it brings in native species you might not have a chance to see outdoors,” Hidy notes. “For example, in the outdoors, garter snakes and native rat snakes go by so quickly. While you’re in the Discovery Room, you can see they’re actually very calm. It takes away the fear of the unknown.”

Like other nature centers, The Grove offers opportunities for visitors to touch animals, including an opossum and some snakes. “We talk about how they benefit the ecosystem,” Hidy says.

A longtime favorite in the Interpretive Center’s main room is Big Al, an alligator snapping turtle estimated to be between 130 and 140 years old. “People are fascinated by his size and his age,” Hidy shares. “He’s fantastic. People come in and think he’s a big rock. Then they are shocked and pleasantly surprised that it’s a real turtle.”

Alligator snapping turtles are endangered in Illinois, though some can still be found in the state’s southern region. Big Al has recently become a social media sensation when a video of his spa day at the Grove garnered 2.7 million views.

“Big Al’s popularity reminds us of the power of nature and the importance of wildlife preservation,” says Hidy.

 At Wildwood Nature Center, in Park Ridge, a red-footed tortoise, native to South America, often waits at the door to greet visitors.

“He’s a really cool tortoise,” observes Kristen Rozalewicz, a naturalist at the center managed by the Park Ridge Park District (PRParks.org/facilities/wildwood/nature-center-information). “He checks out people’s shoes and gets up close and personal. He’ll snuggle up with the stuffed animals.”

Focusing mostly on native wildlife, the center houses an ornate box turtle, which has been negatively impacted by urbanization and is listed as threatened in Illinois. Seeing a rare native species can start a discussion on habitat loss and its effects on animals.

“It’s important that people have access to different ways of connecting with nature and connecting with animals,” Rozalewicz relays. “The more the younger kids get experience with animals, the more empathy they learn to develop for animals. For the adults, connecting with nature brings them back to their roots.”

One nonnative species folks enjoy at Wildwood is the Madagascar hissing cockroach. “We have quite a large colony that we feed to our bearded dragon,” Rozalewicz says.

Visitors learn that the cockroaches are called invertebrates because they have no backbone. “They also don’t have vocal cords, but a hissing sound comes from air pockets in their exoskeleton,” she explains.

Wildwood Nature Center houses more than 35 live animals, including a bullfrog, American toad, box turtle, tiger salamander and corn snake. A nature nook offers books, puzzles, puppets, games and activities for young visitors. 

At Red Oak Nature Center, in North Aurora, two eastern box turtles are popular with visitors, according to Mary Casey, a naturalist at the center managed by the Fox Valley Park District (RedOakNatureCenter.info).

“Here we can showcase what wild animals Illinois does have, and that gets people very interested in exploring the forest,” Casey remarks.

A Sense the Seasons exhibit allows visitors to smell, touch and observe what’s outdoors, such as skunk cabbage, which emerges early in spring. Children can crawl through a small, simulated cave; see what the river looks like beneath the ice in winter; and listen to night sounds in a dark area.

 A favorite at the center is the new augmented reality sandbox, says Red Oak Facility Manager Renee Oakley.

“Images move around in the sand, and you can build your own volcano or make water cycles and create an island, and there are creatures walking around,” Oakley says.

“It’s really fun for all ages,” she continues. “You can have a teenager who is just watching or a grandparent sitting and watching the kids in the sandbox. The next thing you know, the teenager and the grandparent are also in the sandbox. It’s very Zen-like.”

Red Oak offers visitors close looks at more than 45 animals that live in the Fox River ecosystem, including turtles, fish, frogs, snakes, insects and crayfish.

In winter, after visitors have enjoyed the Red Oak Nature Center, “we encourage people to go down to the cave on the Fox River,” says Oakley. “It’s one way in and out and right by the river. Depending on the ice and snow cover, you may see some cool animal tracks along the way.”

At Prairie Grass Nature Museum, in Round Lake, live turtles and snakes are also popular, says Recreation Supervisor Kathy Paczynski. “It looks like the turtles are waiting for visitors,” she says. “They swim up to them, and visitors think that’s the best.”

Another popular critter is Sal, the tiger salamander, a nocturnal amphibian who lives in a dark, moist tank.

“Salamanders are very elusive and hard to see,” Paczynski notes. “But visitors do get to see him at the center sticking his head out every once in a while from his hiding holes. It’s the cutest thing in the world.”

Visitors also can check out free Discovery Packs, which include a magnifying glass, compass, binoculars, ruler and wildlife guide. Just outside the museum is Hart Woods, where they can do a little sleuthing.

Whether it’s exploring the fascinating world of native wildlife, engaging with hands-on exhibits or simply escaping the winter blues, Chicagoland’s nature centers cater to diverse interests and curiosities. These hidden gems entertain and inspire visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world this winter season. Hours of operation vary widely, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead or check the website before planning their trip.

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.WordPress.com.