Looking for a change of scenery? Check out the Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory and Pilcher Park Nature Center! The bird breeder that raised our lovebird, Kiwi, is in Joliet so we made a duel trip to enjoy the area. (Click here to see our cute little bird on Instagram.)
One of the great aspects of Pilcher Park is that there is a paved path between the conservatory and nature center. It’s about a one mile walk, so if you wanted to visit both, it’s a nice way of getting exercise and enjoying nature along the way.
Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory
We parked by the greenhouse and walked in to find a quaint bridge over a small pond and trickling waterfall. There was also a gazebo with a bench to sit and relax.
There was also a large waterfall in one of the four greenhouse rooms that empties into a pond with koi fish. The final room has cacti and you can exit to continue on to the paved paths.
A map stands outside the conservatory that details the trails, but the path to the nature center is pretty straightforward.
Pilcher Park Nature Center
The first floor of the nature center has an area with turtles by the entrance and tanks and cages of live animals, such as snakes…
…toads, a bearded lizard, and a ferret that was sleeping in a hammock when we were there!
Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory
225 N Gougar Road
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 741-7278
8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Closed on holidays
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 741-7277
June – August: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
September – May: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Interested in checking out more nature centers? Click here for our extensive list of Chicagoland nature centers with descriptions so you can figure out where to go next! Looking for another duel trip with a conservatory and get park for kids across the street? Check out Rehm Park and Oak Park Conservatory!
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A friend of mine who lives in Manhattan, IL, recently spotted a bird on her feeder. She said it was large, like a crow, with Beige body, a red cap and she first thought it was a Mourning Dove, except it had a red cap. Can anyone identify this bird? I have tried, unsuccessfully, with my apps. Maybe a woodpecker with winter coloring? She said it had a long, narrow beak. Thank you for your help. ❤️