Open Saturdays April 19- October 25
Open Saturdays April 19- October 25
LC Nature Park is open on Saturdays, starting April 19 and running through October 25, from 9am to 4pm. Guided Hikes will be at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Safari Bus Tours will be at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm.
Cost: $7/person, kids 3 and under free | Members get in free
+$5 per person for a safari bus ticket
No pre-registration allowed, tour tickets available 1 hour before tour starts
Day-of schedule is subject to change
Upcoming Programs
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown
Discover the hidden gem in your backyard at LC Nature Park, a sprawling 300-acre nature preserve that promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Nestled in the Little River Valley, our park is home to majestic bison, graceful elk, enigmatic wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers. Enjoy our scenic trails at your own pace- wander through winding paths that lead you through our dune forest and prairie, perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit our Mills Education Center, where interactive exhibits bring the wonders of our ecosystem to life.
* Safari bus tours will not be going out, trail exploration is walking only.
3rd Saturday Hike-Rut
Join us for a 3rd Saturday Hike at LC Nature Park!
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of nature during a special time of year as our bison and elk become more active. Guided by one of our knowledgeable staff members, this family-friendly hike is a great opportunity to learn about wildlife behavior in an exciting and educational way. No need to register in advance, but we recommend it—space is limited!
$10 per person | Includes park entry
Fireside Friday w/ Jonah Leatherman
Enjoy a relaxing evening with s’mores, drinks, and live music by the fire. A delightful end to your week!
This week we are joined by Jonah Leatherman! Come out to dance and hang while enjoying a drink and s’more around the fire with friends.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 for 21+ adults | $10 under 21 | $18 adult members | under 21 free with membership
Tickets include 2 drinks and s’mores.
All ages welcome
Sponsored by Shambaugh & Sons
Night Hike- Equinox Evening
Take an evening to enjoy the park in way you haven’t experienced before. A magical experience for all ages! Pre-registration is not required but encouraged due to limited spots.
$7 per person | $5 for Members or with Fireside Friday registration
Sponsored by Votaw Electric
Night Hike- Starry Night
Take an evening to enjoy the park in way you haven’t experienced before. A magical experience for all ages! Pre-registration is not required but encouraged due to limited spots.
$7 per person | $5 for Members or with Fireside Friday registration
Sponsored by Votaw Electric
Fireside Friday w/ Joe Donnell
Enjoy a relaxing evening with s’mores, drinks, and live music by the fire. A delightful end to your week!
This week we are joined by Joe Donnell! Come out to dance and hang while enjoying a drink and s’more around the fire with friends.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 for 21+ adults | $10 under 21 | $18 adult members | under 21 free with membership
Tickets include 2 drinks and s’mores.
All ages welcome
Sponsored by Shambaugh & Sons
3rd Saturday Hike- How Animals Beat the Heat
Join us for a 3rd Saturday Hike! This month, we are joined by our friends from Indiana Wild as we learn how animals beat the heat. Participants will get to meet some of our wild friends up close! Pre-registration is not required but encouraged as spots are limited.
$10 per person | Includes park entry
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Wild Edibles Foraging- Carrie Vrabel
Join us at LC Nature Park for a special hike, where expert guide, Carrie Vrabel, will lead a hike to identify and responsibly harvest seasonal wild plants. After the hike, enjoy a live cooking demonstration that shows how to turn your foraged finds into simple, delicious dishes.
$20/ person $18 Members | 21+ | Includes food and drink tickets
This Program has Sold Out. Check back next year!
Calves & Coffee
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to feed the animals and search for bison and elk calves. Coffee and pastries included. Spots are limited so pre-register today to save your seat!
Sponsored by Assured Partners
$20 per person | $18 Members | Pre-registration required.
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Tickets for this event have closed
Night Hike - Midsummer Hike
Take an evening to enjoy the park in way you haven’t experienced before. A magical experience for all ages! Pre-registration is not required but encouraged due to limited spots.
$7 per person | $5 for Members or with Fireside Friday registration
Sponsored by Votaw Electric
Fireside Friday w/ Jess Thrower
Enjoy a relaxing evening with s’mores, drinks, and live music by the fire. A delightful end to your week!
This week we are joined by Jess Thrower! Come out to dance and hang while enjoying a drink and s’more around the fire with friends.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 for 21+ adults | $10 under 21 | $18 adult members | under 21 free with membership
Tickets include 2 drinks and s’mores.
All ages welcome
Sponsored by Shambaugh & Sons
3rd Saturday Hike- Beavers
Join us for our monthly 3rd Saturday Hike at the Park. This month we are joined by Gavin King from ACRES! Come learn about beavers and their mighty engineering power.
$10 per person | Includes park entry
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Ticket sales have closed.
Calves & Charcuterie
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to feed the animals and search for bison and elk calves. Refreshments are included. Spots are limited so pre-register today to save your seat!
Sponsored by Assured Partners
$20 per person | $18 Members | Pre-registration required.
This program has sold out.
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Fireside Friday w/ Randy Spencer
S’mores, drinks, live music, yard games, and a campfire—what better way to enjoy a summer evening after a long week?
Come hear the musical stylings of Randy Spencer! What better way to kick off your summer season than a great evening of music around the fire?
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 for 21+ adults | $10 under 21 | $18 adult members | under 21 free with membership
Tickets include 2 drinks and s’mores.
All ages welcome
Sponsored by Shambaugh & Sons
3rd Saturday Hike- Pollinators
Discover the amazing world of pollinators! Use bug nets and join our guest speaker to explore their vital role in our ecosystem. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged as spots are limited.
$10 per person | Includes park entry
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Calves & Coffee
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to feed the animals and search for bison and elk calves. Coffee and pastries included. Spots are limited so pre-register today to save your seat!
$20 per person | $18 Members | Pre-registration required
Sorry, but this event has sold out. Please check back as we may add another.
Discovery Trail Groundbreaking
LC Nature Park is thrilled to announce the launch of a major new project: the Discovery Trail! This self-guided trail is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, providing a welcoming way for everyone to experience the beauty and biodiversity of our prairie and pond landscapes. We will officially break ground on the trail on Saturday, June 7, a fitting date as it marks both National Trails Day and National Prairie Day.
We’re inviting members of the community to be part of this exciting moment by joining us for the groundbreaking ceremony and volunteering to help begin the trail-building process. Bring a shovel and sturdy boots to participate. Anyone who volunteers an hour of their time will get free park entry passes redeemable on any open Saturday.
No pre-registration | Free
Bison Stomp
Mark your calendars and grab your dancing boots—LC Nature Park’s first-ever Bison Stomp is coming Friday, June 6! This exciting new annual fundraiser is your chance to enjoy an evening of live music, great food, and family fun, all while supporting the park’s mission of education and conservation. With performances by Home by 10 and The Legendary Trainhoppers, tasty bites from local food trucks, and a silent auction full of unique finds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are on sale now, with proceeds helping us raise $30,000 to fund incredible experiences at LC Nature Park. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening—secure your tickets and come stomp with us!
Safari Bus Tour
Climb aboard our Safari Bus for a unique, close-up look at LC Nature Park! These guided tours travel the full loop around the enclosure fence—your best chance to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife while taking in the park’s stunning scenery. Tours are at 3:30 and 4:30 and tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
$15 per person | Kids 3 and under are free
Fireside Friday
Enjoy a relaxing evening with s’mores, drinks, and live music by the fire. A delightful end to your week!
This week we are joined by Mathis Grey! Come listen to his beautiful music while enjoying a drink and s’more around the fire with friends.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 per person | $18 Members | Must be 21+ with valid ID
Entry includes 2 drink tickets and s’mores.
Night Hike- Twilight Bird Calls
Take an evening hike and discover the fascinating birds that sing at night. Learn to identify their unique calls. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$7 per person | $5 for Members or with Fireside Friday registration
Sponsored by Votaw Electric
3rd Saturday Hike-Photography
Discover nature photography on this special hike with Wandering James Photography! Bring your camera and learn tips for capturing stunning wildlife and landscapes. Spots are limited so pre-register to save your spot!
$10 per person | Includes park entry and instruction
Nature Explorers: Babies, babies, babies!
Spring is baby season! Learn all about animal babies, including our adorable bison calves, in this interactive program. Enjoy story time, a craft, a snack, an animal meet-and-greet, and nature exploration. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$15 per child | $13 Members | Ages 3–5
Picnic on the Prairie
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a delicious pre-ordered picnic brunch surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. Pre-registration is required at least a week in advance so we can order the picnics.
You have the option of a Breakfast or Lunch Box which you can choose when you register.
Breakfast: Good Morning Grazing Box: A full-sized muffin served alongside a greek yogurt and granola parfait, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruits, and candied bacon.
Lunch: Chicken Salad Wrap & Grazing Box - Chicken Salad made with Slow Roasted Chicken, Green Grapes, Mandarin Oranges, Celery, Onion, and a Sweet & Savory Creamy Dressing on a Wheat Tortilla with Romaine Lettuce. Enjoy alongside Charcuterie style meats, cheeses, fresh fruits & vegetables, a house-made dip, and crackers.
$22 per person | $20 Members | Includes food and drink
Registration has ended.
Trillium Fest
Come out to LC Nature Park for a day of FREE nature exploration. The trails are open as the forest blooms with trilliums, spring beauties, dutchman britches, and more! We will have snacks, games, crafts, food trucks, and all kinds of fun activities.
Free to all
No Pre-registration
Fireside Friday: Kara J and the Anchormen!
Relax under the stars with s’mores, drinks, and live music around the fire. A perfect way to wind down your week!
Performing at our season opener is Kara J and the Anchormen! You don’t want to miss out on what is sure to be an amazing night under the stars at LC Nature Park.
Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$20 per person | $18 Members | Must be 21+ with valid ID
Entry includes 2 drink tickets and s’mores.
Tickets are available at the door
Night Hike: The Wetland Chorus
Experience the symphony of frog calls as we take an evening hike through the wetlands and learn to identify these fascinating sounds. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged.
$7 per person | $5 for Members or with Fireside Friday registration
Sponsored by Votaw Electric
Pay at the Door
1st Park Open Day
Explore the park every Saturday starting April 19! Enjoy hikes, safari bus rides, and special programs as you discover the beauty of LC Nature Park.
$7 per person | Members Free
No Pre-registration