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1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Wildlife Discovery Center


 
StaffA.D.O.P.T.ExhibitsHistoryEventsContact Us

A place where you can be with nature eye-to-eye!        

The Wildlife Discovery Center (WDC) is a unique combination of nature center, wildlife sanctuary, museum, and biological station featuring high-quality displays of live reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds including raptors, and a bobcat.  The WDC is located at historic Elawa Farm along the beautiful Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Curator of the WDC was recently interviewed for an article in the Orianne Society newsletter.  The WDC will be partnering with this internationally recognized organization in a number of conservation initiatives.  Read all about it on page 7 of this newletter.


With the help of over 150 resident animals, the WDC host interactive displays and educational programs with an emphasis on wildlife conservation and education.  Specifically, WDC offers:

  • Education programs for all ages
  • Chicago land's finest public reptile exhibits
  • one of the largest public displays of rattlesnakes in North America
  • Outdoor raptor exhibits
  • Flying raptor demonstrations
  • Youth wildlife conservation classes
  • Creative school field trips
  • Eco based summer camps
  • Group presentations at the Center
  • Traveling animal presentations at off-site events
  • Wildlife birthday parties

MISSION: To build new generations of guardians and advocates for all wildlife and their habitat through sharing, caring, research and many adventures in conservation education.

 Visitor Hours
  Tuesday:   10 am - 4pm
  Friday:      10 am - 4 pm
  Saturday:  10 am - 4 pm

Due to our field trip programs in the spring and fall, the WDC will be opening at 1pm on Tuesdays and Fridays during September/October and April/May.

Admission to the WDC is FREE, thanks to a generous supporter (Free Admission is only for individuals and related families of 8 or less). Groups (summer camps, schools, organizations, etc) must set up a program prior to arrival and pay a fee that will be quoted by the WDC staff.

Visitor donations are encouraged and appreciated, and support the high-quality care we give our animals.


To book a Birthday Party, Group Tour, Off-Site Program, School Field Trip, or to rent McCormick Nature Preserve, DOWNLOAD and submit the appropriate form(s) below:
BIRTHDAY PARTY - Request Form
GROUP TOUR - Request Form
NON-PROFIT GROUP PROGRAMS - Request Form
SCHOOL FIELD TRIP - Request Form
McCORMICK NATURE PRESERVE
- Permit Form
McCORMICK NATURE PRESERVE - Group Rental & Policies Form
OFF-SITE PROGRAM -If you'd like to inquire about an Off-Site Program where we bring the animals/program to your location, please contact Rob Carmichael, WDC Curator, at carmichr@cityoflakeforest.com for details.

CLICK HERE to download the WDC's Winter/Spring Brochure
CLICK HERE to download the Program Registration Form.
 


The City of Lake Forest, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045      (847) 234-2600