Forest Park Nature Center

Peoria County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
40.7573, -89.5749

5809 N Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights, IL 61616​

Official Website
https://peoriaparks.org/facility/fpnc/​

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Programs (educational, volunteer)
Other (view wildlife, picnic)
 
Season/Hours: 
Nature Center – open year-round
Tues - Sat   9:00 AM  - 5:00 PM, Sunday 1 - 5 PM
Trails – Open year-round; daily dawn to dusk
 
Dog Friendly:  No
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  https://peoriaparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/FPNC_Trail_Map.pdf
On site: in nature center and at trail intersections
 
Parking: parking lot
 
Amenities:  benches, nature center, picnic tables
 
Restrooms:  in nature center (when open)
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps: 
All Trails    
The Hiking Project
 
Cost:  free admission, some events have fees                   
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  Birding Hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access: 
forest, hills, prairie, stream/river view
 
General Description:  540-acre Illinois State Nature Preserve on the edge of Peoria and Peoria Heights; home to 7 miles of trails including part of the historic Pimiteoui Trail  (this part of trail goes to Grand View Drive & Park) 

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  
A central Illinois jewel, this is a beloved local place to hike.  There are trails for every hiking style from flat to hills.  The staff is amazing and the trails are well maintained.  There are numerous programs held at the nature center.   Just over the hill from Peoria Heights, you can grab a snack before or after your outdoor adventure.

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Forest Park Nature Center Trail  Map (PDF)

More Information
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/INPC/Pages/Area4PeoriaForestPark.aspx

http://thecommunityword.com/online/blog/2020/02/26/nature-rambles-hill-prairies/

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/INPC/Pages/Area4PeoriaForestParkSouth.aspx

http://thecommunityword.com/online/blog/2021/05/26/nature-rambles-why-nature-preserves/

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L8321817?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

​https://ebird.org/hotspot/L297069?yr=BIGDAY_2018a&m=&rank=mrec

http://thecommunityword.com/online/blog/2019/06/26/nature-rambles-titans-of-the-prairie/

https://wgntv.com/news/destination-illinois/central-illinois/escape-to-the-outdoors-at-forest-park-nature-center-in-peoria-heights/

https://chronicleillinois.com/news/local-news/hiking-trails-just-the-start-at-forest-park-nature-center/

https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/research/rra/site13/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1AEu5qpgGQ_3f3YKRrNRnW4mWQCIwEGzL&ll=40.76123890766663%2C-89.57803566047033&z=15

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/forest-park-nature-center

https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/things-to-do/2021/10/04/best-places-to-see-fall-colors-in-illinois/8282005002/

http://www.illinoisadventuretv.org/index.asp?page=st&site=1077

https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/peoria-heights/nature-outdoor-recreation/forest-park-nature-center/[JR1] 
​

Managed by:
Peoria Park District (309) 682-1200
1125 W Lake Ave Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 686-3360 OR   (309) 682-6684