Spring Valley

1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg · 847-985-2100

Hours of Operation

Current Hours (effective Nov. 1-March 31):

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.


At Spring Valley 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
  • Rollerblading
  • Picking or collecting plants, berries, etc.
  • Feeding wildlife or farm livestock
  • Fishing
  • Consumption of alcohol
  • Picnicking outside of designated areas

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 at Heritage Farm welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site. Heritage Farm is closed Dec. 1 to March 1. For more information, call 847-985-2102.

Hiking Trails & Trail Map

Spring Valley features over three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails. View our trail map here.

Leave No Child Inside

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.

Master Plan

Click here to read the 2019-2023 Spring Valley Master Plan.

Merkle Cabin

Spring Valley's log cabin is nestled among whispering pines, just a short walk from the visitor center. This unique facility, along with an adjacent fire pit and picnic shelter, can be rented for private parties and business functions. Maximum capacity is 30 people.

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 classes and programs

For all age groups and interests. Programs change seasonally and are geared for specific age groups.

Nature Center & Heritage Farm Visitor Center Gift Shops

Items sold in the gift case at Nature Center & Heritage Farm Visitor Center Gift Shops are educational and reasonably priced. All proceeds from these sales benefit Spring Valley. The Spring Valley Nature Club also has shirts, bags and hats. The sale of these items benefit the Nature Club.

Special Events

Spring Valley holds a number of special events throughout the year. View upcoming special events here.

Volunteering at Spring Valley

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.

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