Lakeview Nature Area
10050 N. 1500th Road (Spring Lake Road)
Macomb, IL. 61455
309-836-2887 (phone)
309-836-7095 (fax)
309-837-7301 (TTY)

The mission of Lakeview Nature Area is to promote stewardship and conservation of the environment through experiential education. Adjacent to Spring Lake Park and nestled in over 350 acres including prairie, wetland, timber, and grass lands, Lakeview is an ideal place to learn about native Illinois plants and animals.

Enjoy hikes through 55 acres of restored prairie. As you relax, see if you can find Lakeview's resident families of beaver, fox, deer, turkey and more.

Framing of the nature center is hand hewn oak timbers, that are mortise and tenon. No nails hold the framework together, only wooden pegs. The result is a beautiful natural wood smell, a warm country feel, and the perfect place to retreat with friends and family.

Lakeview Nature Center has interactive displays and hands on programs that emphasize exploration and investigation of the environment with an interdisciplinary approach. Science, math, recreation, social studies, and more can be discovered with the help of talented naturalists.

FISHING BUDDIES (Ages: 7 - 12)
What would summer be without fishing? Come and fish with us at Spring Lake. We will meet at Lakeview Nature Center and walk through the prairie to Spring Lake. You may use one of our fishing rods or bring your own gear. We will furnish the bait. Maximum of 12 participants.

OUTDOOR SKILLS TRAINING CHALLENGE (Ages: 9 - 14)
Are you tired of the same old summer routine? Try an outdoor experience that will be packed with nature adventures. You will be hiking, creek stamping, tracking, trying archery, orienteering, geo-caching, fishing, and canoeing. We have packed this week with how to cope with bad weather, identifying what you are seeing, learning how to stay out of trouble outside. If you would rather be outside with friends than anywhere else, this is the program for you. Maximum of 12 participants.

MEDIEVAL TIMES DAY CAMP (Ages: 7 - 11)
Travel back to the time of castles, princesses, knights, serfs, craft guilds and without the "new world." You will discover that this ideal setting is really rough. Diseases, rats, and torture went hand-in-hand with all the fairy tale settings. We will look at the clothing, legends, buildings, schooling, games and daily life of children and adults. Learn about the endless daily demands of the king. Loads of problem solving in both group and individual activities. Explore with your friends of what Europeans thought was on the other side of the world. We have all the great hands-on activities you would expect. Daily snack is included. Maximum of 10 participants.