Spring Valley (847-985-2100)

Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams. Spring Valley also features over three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails, a Nature Center with natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public and admission is free.

Spring Valley is an outdoor living museum, where visitors can learn about nature and local history. Along with exploring, discovering, observing, and listening, the following activities are encouraged.

• Walking
• Birdwatching
• Sketching/painting
• Photography
• Reading/writing
• Relaxing
• Learning
  

In order to help preserve Spring Valley’s natural resources for both present and future generations, all visitors are asked to remain on marked trails. The following activities are not permitted:

• Walking pets
• Riding bicycles
• Roller blading
• Picking or collecting plants, berries, etc.
• Feeding wildlife or farm livestock
• Fishing
• Consumption of alcohol
• Picnicking outside of designated areas

The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through October, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March. Heritage Farm is closed Dec. 1 - March 1.

Features

Adventure Park Pack Rental
This park pack contains equipment, supplies, activites and books for children of all ages to engage with nature. 

Birthday Parties
Make your child's party a historic event! Choose from two fun-filled themes. Parties are two hours in length and include one hour of themed, staff-led activites and a farm tour. Pizza, drinks, cake, ice cream and paper goods are provided. Available Mon-Sat, 2-5p.m.  

Conservation Areas

The Schaumburg Park District maintains nearly 300 acres of preserved natural areas throughout the district. In addition to 135-acre Spring Valley, four designated Conservation Areas provide homes for wildlife and give residents opportunities to experience wild nature close to home and appreciate the beauty of Illinois’ native plants and animals.

Heritage Farm

Step back into the past for a look at Schaumburg as it was in the 1880s - a rural German farm community. Authentically dressed interpreters welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site. Heritage Farm is closed Dec. 1 - March 1.

Leave No Child Inside

The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. C&NN provides access to the latest news and research in the field and a peer-to-peer network of researchers and individuals, educators and organizations dedicated to children's health and well-being.

Merkle Cabin

Spring Valley's log cabin is nestled among whispering pines, just a short walk from the visitor center. On Sundays, trained volunteers share information about the fascinating history of this unique site and have beverages available for purchase.

Nature Center

This earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Valley's 135 acres. It contains natural history exhibits that change seasonally, an observation tower, classrooms, an extensive library, gift sales area and restrooms.

Programs

Spring Valley offers classes and programs for all age groups and interests. Programs change seasonally and are geared for specific age groups. Check out the upcoming teacher workshops for credit for spring/summer 2010.

Shop at Woods and Fields
Items sold in the gift case are educational and reasonably priced. All proceeds from these sales benefit Spring Valley. The Spring Valley Nature Club also has shirts, bags, & hats, the sale of these items benefit the Nature Club.

Special Events
Spring Valley holds a number of special events throughout the year. Download a schedule of 2010 special events.

Snowshoe Rental

Spring Valley has snowshoes available for rental throughout the winter months. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. anytime there is at least four inches of snow on the ground. More...

Summer Camps

Browse the latest summer camp pamphlet for entertaining activities.

Volunteer Program

Spring Valley's volunteer program encourages community involvement and assistance in the ongoing restoration of the sanctuary and with the presentation of public programs and special events.

Directions

1111 E. Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194