Trailside Museum of Natural History
4.8 (163)museum
4.8 (163)Set in an 1876 mansion beside Thatcher Woods, this museum pairs live native wildlife exhibits with woodland trails.
Description
Established in 1932 as the Forest Preserves’ first public nature education facility, the house previously operated as a residence, two schools, and the district’s headquarters. Beyond indoor habitat information, the grounds feature colorful wildflower gardens. Outside, unpaved walking trails wind through Thatcher Woods’ oak woodlands and floodplain forest, providing an educational outing popular with families and nature enthusiasts.
