What you get
About Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History
The Trailside Museum of Natural History, established in 1932, was the first public nature education facility for the Forest Preserves. It is set within a historic 1876 mansion and displays live and mounted plants and animals found in Cook County. Visitors can explore 4.9 miles of unpaved walking trails through Thatcher Woods and fish at the 1.5-acre Thatcher Pond. The museum also offers opportunities to meet live ambassador animals and participate in field science labs.
On the coast
Serving River Forest, IL
The Trailside Museum of Natural History, established in 1932, was the first public nature education facility for the Forest Preserves. It is set within a historic 1876 mansion and displays live and mounted plants and animals found in Cook County. Visitors can explore 4.9 miles of unpaved walking trails through Thatcher Woods and fish at the 1.5-acre Thatcher Pond. The museum also offers opportunities to meet live ambassador animals and participate in field science labs.