Homer Lake Interpretive Center

The Homer Lake Interpretive Center, located at Homer Lake Forest Preserve, features a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, live animals and a wildlife viewing area. After visiting the Center, be sure to stop by the Natural Playscape.

**The stream at the Natural Playscape is off for the season** September 23, 2024

General Information

Cost - Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Parking - Free and accessible
Exhibits - view upcoming exhibits
Behavior - Review our behavior rules

Regular Hours

Please note that staff may be out occasionally teaching programs. If you would like to schedule a group visit, please contact us at least two weeks in advance.

Closed on federal holidays.

Weekday Hours
Tuesday–Friday 1 p.m.–⁠5 p.m.
Weekend Hours
Saturday (April–October) 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Accessibility

The Center is wheelchair accessible. Signage is accommodated where possible to persons with low vision. Tactile and audio experiences are incorporated into most exhibits. For our visitors’ convenience, an exhibit booklet is available in the office – it incorporates images and text from the exhibits in an easily accessible format. Alternate activities for some exhibits are also available in the office.

Contact Us

Come see what we have to offer! For more information, call 217-896-2455 or email.

Email us

Resources for Loan

The Homer Lake Interpretive Center’s loan kits contain hands-on items to get you out hiking and exploring!

  • Aquatic Invasive Species Kit
  • Bird Adaptation Loan Kit
  • Illinois Amphibians and Reptiles Field Pack
  • Fishing Poles
  • GPS units
  • Insect Backpack
  • Water Quality kit
  • Field Trip Pack

Learn More

Group Visits

Due to limited space at the Center, we request that groups contact us at least two weeks in advance of your visit.

Non-school groups please contact Jennifer Wick at [email protected] or call (217) 896-2455.

Teachers and school groups please contact Patrick Ahasic at [email protected] or call (217) 896-2455.

What Else Can I Do?

  • Visit the Homer Lake Natural Playscape!
  • Hike with a self-guided trail brochure.
  • Borrow a loan kit or backpack full of nature exploration tools.
  • Borrow a GPS unit to try your hand at geocaching.
  • Learn more about Homer Lake Forest Preserve and plan to make a fun day!

Online Experiences

Check out our nature videos on the CCFPD YouTube Channel and see the CCFPD event webpage for virtual experiences we are offering to the general public.

YouTube All Events