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)
lnc@macombparks.com

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.

UNDER THE SEA (Ages: 7 - 11)
There is more than fish in the sea! There are forests of kelp and black smokers. We'll learn what fish live where in the ocean. We will learn about the vastness of the ocean and why we are dependent on that ecosystem. We'll make fish prints and taste some seaweed. We'll learn that starfish are not fish at all and not everything that lives in the ocean swims.

DISCOVER THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST (Ages: 7 - 11)
We'll take a closer look at the animals that live in the rainforest. There are tapirs, dart frogs and sloths along with birds and insects. We will look at the plants, animals and people that make up this exciting environment. Loads of activities, stories, crafts and games make this a great camp for kids.

OUTDOOR SKILLS ADVENTURE CAMP (Ages: 9 - 12)
For those with an outdoor spirit, OUTDOOR SKILLS ADVENTURE CAMP is for you! Bring a friend and enjoy the great outdoors with new challenges and skill building every day. We will be canoeing, hiking, fishing, orienteering, tracking and creek stomping during five afternoons of fun. Join with our naturalists who have places to show you and loads of activities to share.

WILD & WEIRD INSECTS ADVENTURE CAMP (Ages: 6 - 9)
Take a look with us at those insects that are everywhere. Praying mantis, honeybees, ladybugs, rhinoceros beetles, ants and more will be explored in this camp. Helpful insects and misunderstood insects will make you think about these tiny critters.

YOUNG SCIENTISTS ADVENTURE CAMP (Ages: 7 - 11)
Be a mad scientist with hands on experiments and creative concoctions. Scientific concepts are really going to stick as you learn basic principles and watch them come alive right before your very eyes. You bring your enthusiasm and we will bring the aprons and goggles.

JUNIOR PALEONTOLOGY CAMP (Ages: 7 - 12)
For this camp Lakeview Nature Center has teamed up with the Western Illinois University Geology Museum to take a closer look at dinosaurs. There will be dinosaur bones to explore, fossils to make, and all sorts of dinosaur activities including puzzles, models, books, games and lots more. We'll also take a trip to the WIU Geology Museum.

ART WITH THE MASTERS (Ages: 7 - 11)
This adventure camp will focus on different artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Seurat, Goldsworthy, Cassatt and Calder. We will learn a brief history of the artist and try out their techniques and skills. Lots of art projects, new experiences, challenges and fun in this camp.

ILLINOIS SETTLERS LIVING HISTORY (Ages: 6 - 11)
Illinois Settlers Living History is one of our favorite camps! Living on the prairie in Illinois in the 1830s was not easy. It took willpower, grit and determination. Everyone had to work, even kids. Experience challenges and problem solving as you discover how bid acre is, and how to start a homestead. What animals are friendly and which are problems? Hands on activities are huge in this camp with an old tool quiz, writing with a nib and ink, how to sew to survive, home remedies for terrible diseases, all sorts of old-timey games, music, and much more. Join us for lots of fun.

WESTWARD HO! (Ages: 6 - 11)
Round up all the ranch hands for a look at out west. We'll explore the deserts and the great plains. Find out where the deer and the antelope range. Learn about real cowboys, round ups, cowboy chuck wagon food, and lingo. We'll discover the animals of the plains: buffaloes, pronghorns, rattlesnakes and lizards. Learn about legends and real folks from out west. How was the west won? Cactus, armadillos, Buffalo Bill, longhorns and more.