Willowhaven
Interpretive
Center

Group Information
If you have a group of 10 or more looking to visit the interpretive center, please schedule a visit with our group coordinator to insure you get the most out of your visit.

Admission to the facility is free and groups can be scheduled year-round. Groups may schedule a visit Monday - Friday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. 

The facility can accommodate up to 75 visitors at one time. It is recommended that large groups split up their time in the interpretive center so the students get the most out of their visit.

The Willowhaven Interpretive Center requires a 1:6 adult to child ratio.

Willowhaven Interpretive Center does not have a large lunch room or outdoor picnic tables, however, students may use our multipurpose room for lunches. The multipurpose room can accommodate up to 20 people at a time so larger groups must split up lunch times. Please check for Multipurpose room availability when reserving your group.

The interpretive center has interactive exhibits and programs for a wide variety of ages. For a list of current group programs please click here.

Willowhaven Interpretive Center now offers school group programs for grade Pre-K-12 that meet Illinois Learning Standards. Programs are led by interpreter staff.

Programs run from 60 to 90 minutes long. Some programs can be customized to your classroom needs. Program prices range from $2 to $4 per student. Programs can accommodate up to 30 student. For larger groups students are typically broken down to smaller groups and are rotated between the program and free exploration of the nature center.

A $25 deposit is due at the time of reservation of any group program. The deposit can be used toward your program fees on the day of your visit. Any remaining program fees would be due at the time of your arrival. If your total program fee is less, the remaining balance will be refunded back to you after you visit. Refunds are issued as a check and may take up to 12 days to be processed. Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to you visit or your deposit will be withheld.

For more information or if you would like to make a group reservation please contact Nicole Jenkins at (815) 933-9905 ext 472 or by email.

Teacher Tips:
When you are ready to book your field trip please have the following information ready:

• Group/School Name
• Phone Number
• Dates interested in scheduling a visit
• Time of arrival and departure
• Lunch plans and times (20 max capacity in lunch room at one time)
• Name of program (if interested)
• Number of children
• Number of special needs children
• Number of adults (we require 1:6 ratio)
• Age of children
• Email or fax number for confirmation information

• Remind your students about the three main museum rules: No running, Stay with your adult leader and Pick up after yourself.
• Chaperones are required to supervise their assigned children in the museum as well as outside.
• Help your children pick up before leaving there play area.
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the museum. Food and Drinks are only allowed in the lunchroom (multipurpose room) during there assigned lunch times.
• Questions can be directed to the front desk clerk or any staff member.

 For more information or if you would like to make a group reservation please contact Nicole Jenkins at (815) 933-9905 ext 472 or by email.

Whispering Willows Trail Map

For more information please contact Nicole Jenkins at (815) 933-9905 ext 472 or by email.