Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 W. Lake Katherine Dr., Palos Heights, IL 60463
Bird & Eagle Watching
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre non-profit park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake.
Naturally a great place to explore, learn and discover some of nature's wonders. Let nature be your guide, come visit and we'll show you why they call it the great outdoors! (Nature Center) M-F 9AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-4PM; (Trails) M-Su Dawn-Dusk
Lake Katherine Nature Center’s very presence owes itself to the geological and industrial past of this area. The Cal- Sag canal to the north of the center was excavated in 1911 to 1922 in part due to the fact it was once part of a low spot that was called Calumet-Saganashkee valley. This low area was part of the Chicago outlet, one of two water channels that drained Lake Chicago (an early version of Lake Michigan) through the moraines that lie to the west of Lake Katherine.
It has been over 25 years since the idea of Lake Katherine was born. Although there have been changes throughout this time, the central idea of having a community nature center has not. As we move forward, our goals remain focused on restoration of the site, public environmental education, inclusivity, outdoor recreation and to create a landscape where everyone can come to connect with nature.
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- Mon: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Sun: Closed
Lake Katherine is a nature center, auditorium & rental hall. Lake Katherine consists of 158 acres including the Calumet-Sag Canal, hiking trails, 20-acre Lake Katherine, Navajo Creek, a waterfall, forested areas, prairies, arboretum & more. Allow 1.5 hours. Group Rates available.