Location
On Route 25, one mile north of Route 56
Directions
630-897-1808
E-mail: redoak@fvpd.net
Renovations to the Wildlife Room are in full swing! Construction will run until May 1, but Red Oak will remain OPEN every day - and our wildlife friends are still among us in various areas of the nature center. Check our Facebook Page, where we'll posting lots of photos as the project takes shape!
It's Animal Showdown time!
Vote for your favorite throughout April
It's that time of year again ... animal showdown time! We've taken the winners from our fall showdown - they're in the final running to become the overall winner and favorite animal at Red Oak. Voting is 1 penny per vote and runs until April 30. Here are the latest vote tallies:
Three-Toed Box Turtle: 893 votes
Tarantula: 447 votes
Bluegill: 362 votes
Fox Snake: 361 votes
Salamander: 182 votes
Humans: 147 votes
Hours
Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Note: The Discovery Room is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and may close at other times for various programs. Please call for availability before visiting.
- Free admission
- Open year round
- Trails open from sunrise to sunset.
Nature Play Preschool - a world of discovery where children thrive in a natural learning environment - enroll today!
With the help of the natural world, chidlren will discover self-expression, decision-making and intellectual growth. Each day will include practicing letter sounds, colors, shapes and numbers - all with the help of Mother Nature! Winter classes are ongoing; spring classes run March 4 through May 23. Info page. Parent Handbook.
General Information
Red Oak Nature Center can be found in the midst of 40 wooded acres on the east bank of the Fox River. You’ll learn about nature’s secrets as you visit the center and explore the woods. Hike along the trails and enjoy the seasonal, ever-changing beauty of the grounds. There is something new and different to see at Red Oak every month.
Pause for a moment to take in the view from the observation deck overlooking the river. Located a short hike from the Nature Center, Devil’s Cave is one of the most popular attractions. Rich in folklore, you can learn about the legend of the cave inside the Nature Center. Inside the center, you’ll find exhibits on natural history designed to spark imagination and curiosity. These displays invite “hands-on” participation and lead to a better understanding of the natural world.
Red Oak is a unique and beautiful place to visit in every season. Watch this video for a sneak peek, but be sure to come out to see it all in person.
We want to hear from you...
What to see at Red Oak
What to do at Red Oak
Scout Badge Opportunities
Field Trips
Holiday Hours
Recent flora and wildlife sightings
Your opinion matters to us--let it be heard! Take a few moments and tell us what you think by filling out our Red Oak Nature Center facility survey. Your feedback will help guide us. Note: The survey is limited to one response per computer. If you require immediate assistance on an issue, please contact the facility manager.
