Bison's Bluff

Winter Hours of Operation

• Daily*: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

*Bison's Bluff will open when safe conditions exist (no snow, ice, rain or temperatures below 32°F). Call (847) 985-2100 to check on conditions.

Admission Fee

Admission is FREE during the winter season.

• $2/resident for all children ages 2-12 (spring/summer/fall)
• $3/non-resident for all children ages 2-12 (spring/summer/fall)

During spring/summer/fall seasons, play sessions are one hour. Reservations are not required, but can be made here.

The following updated guidelines will be in effect at all times:

• For safety reasons, the nature playground will CLOSE during inclement weather or steady rain.
• Maintenance work may result in closures during weekdays. Call (847) 985-2100 or check this page for updates on closures.
• Pets are not permitted within the playground or on nature trails.
• Bikes, scooters and skateboards are not permitted within the playground or on nature trails.
• Outside toys, balls, balloons, etc. are not permitted within the playground.
• Picnics are not permitted inside the playground (there are new picnic shelters near the playground entrance). Restrooms are also located next to the playground.

General Information

Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground is designed to engage children in active and passive play in a natural setting. This unique custom-designed play area includes natural materials (logs, boulders, sand, water, etc.) as well as nature-themed play structures and manufactured features that mimic a rock bluff and cliff face, fallen logs, a flowing stream, wetland, beaver lodge, etc. A visit to the playground will inspire active, open-ended, creative forms of play, similar to that enjoyed by previous generations of children who grew up wandering fields, forests, and streams near their homes. The goal is to inspire today’s youth to remain active, develop agility, learn resilience, discover the benefits of cooperation and experimentation, solve problems and learn to navigate the world around them confidently.

In addition to Bison’s Bluff, Spring Valley includes the Vera Meineke Nature Center, Volkening Heritage Farm Museum, and more than 3 miles of nature trails. The Nature Play Discovery Trail leads to small themed ‘play pockets’ that provide opportunities for nature play in more secluded settings.

Pathway stones are available for purchase at the entrance of Bison's Bluff. To purchase a pathway stone, please complete an order form.

Please be aware that the following are NOT PERMITTED within the play area and anywhere on Spring Valley’s trails:

• Pets
• Bikes, scooters, and skateboards
• Glass containers
• Smoking
• Consumption of alcohol
• Picking or collecting plants, flowers, berries, etc.

Please help your children to observe the following common-sense safety rules within the nature playground:

• Water features are NOT designed for swimming or drinking – water is NOT potable!
• Closely watch smaller children playing near stream and climbing features.
• Do NOT throw stones, sand, or sticks.
• Do NOT climb up onto rocks above waterfall.
• Do NOT bring water toys, squirt guns, balls, etc. into nature playground.

Snacks and beverages are permitted within the play area HOWEVER, in consideration of others and to reduce trash and litter within play area, please use designated picnic area next to the parking lot for larger gatherings, parties, and picnic meals!

NOTE: A picnic shelter located nearby may be rented for private parties and groups. Call in advance to reserve this space.

FAQs

Bison's Bluff Summer 2022 FAQs (PDF)

For more information, please call 847-985-2100 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.