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SAND RIDGE NATURE CENTER
15891 Paxton Avenue | South Holland, IL 60473 | (708) 868-0606


Owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Sand Ridge Nature Center emphasizes the natural history of the Calumet region. Enjoy public programs, special events, live animals, interactive interpretive displays and 3.75 miles of self-guiding hiking trails though diverse habitats.


Contact: Naturalist Staff

Open: SUMMER: M-Su 9AM-4:30PM; WINTER: M-Su 9AM-4PM; Exhibit Room closed on Fridays

Area: Area 3
Group Rates: Free (groups of 15+ please register three weeks in advance)
Operating Season: Open year-round
Suggested Length of Tour: 1-3 hours
Wheelchair Accessible Nature Center Building is accessible, outside limited.


Events
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: MIGRATION MADNESS
May 9, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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TUESDAY MORNINGS ARE FOR THE BIRDS!
May 12, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: MIGRATION
May 13, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: MIGRATION
May 17, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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CHINESE PAPER LANTERN CRAFT
May 24, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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PACIFIC ISLANDER TURTLE TAPA CLOTH
May 31, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! WALK
Jun 6, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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EVENING STROLL
Jun 6, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: WOODPECKERS
Jun 10, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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BIRDING BY EAR
Jun 13, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: WOODPECKERS
Jun 14, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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JUNETEENTH JUBILEE
Jun 20, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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RESTORATION SUNDAY
Jun 28, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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RED, WHITE, & BLACK
Jul 4, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! WALK
Jul 4, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WILD EDIBLES WALK
Jul 5, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: POLLINATORS
Jul 8, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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WEE WONDERS: POLLINATORS
Jul 12, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
d o
LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! WALK
Aug 1, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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NATURAL DYES WORKSHOP
Aug 9, 2026
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland, IL
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