Oakdale Nature Preserve

Oakdale Nature Preserve

Located in some of the most beautiful country in Northern Illinois is one of the Freeport Park District's hidden gems, Oakdale Nature Preserve. Located three miles south of Freeport on Baileyville Road, Oakdale Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of forests, streams and restored prairies. Over four miles of trails wind through the Preserve as well as a 1/3-mile hard-packed accessible trail. Oakdale Nature Preserve is not only a great place for the outdoor recreation enthusiast, but also features three unique facilities including a lodge, auditorium and nature center. Oakdale facilities are available to rent for your next reunion, wedding, business meeting, retreat or gathering. If you enjoy the outdoors and want to try a new activity, the Oakdale Nature Preserve has many activities to offer. Some recreation programs offered at the Oakdale Nature Preserve include night hikes, outdoor education, camp-outs, day camps, concerts and special events. Oakdale is also a great place to host a child?s birthday party with different themes to choose from. You can always explore the outdoors from indoors at the Gelwick's Nature Center. Contact Information Office phone 815-235-6114 Ext. 107 Fax 815-233-9210 Lodge/ Nature Center phone 815-235-2812 oakdale@freeportparkdistrict.org Mailing Address: PO Box 417, Freeport, IL 61032 Street Address: 4433 S Cranes Grove Road, Freeport Driving Directions to Oakdale Nature Preserve

Natural Areas

• Four miles of trails through 133 acres of oak-hickory forests, two streams and restored prairies.
• One-third mile hard-packed accessible trail that travels partially through the forest and on the main grounds. Other trails are wood chipped, grass and soil.
• Open to the public from dawn to 10:30 p.m.

Rental Facilities

Programs

Some are ongoing and some seasonal. See the most recent Park District catalog for more information give us a call. Youth Outdoor Education Team Building Outdoor Birthday Parties Knee-High Naturalists Wild Things: Ecology for Kids Summer Evening Games All Ages/Family Community Drumming Circles Guided Night Hikes Family Camp-Ins Campfire Stories Stargazing Adults Women's Retreats Beginning Guitar Oil Painting Sweatshirt Painting Garden Series Workshops Running Clinics Basket Making Team Orienteering Experience

Special Events

Gelwick’s Nature Center

Displays include the natural history of plants and animals in the Midwest, a few live animals, outdoor bird feeders with an observation window, nature library and a tot corner with nature puppets, puzzles and books. Call (815)235-6114 to request more information or to setup your next visit to the Gelwick's Nature Center.

Friends Of Oakdale

• 10% discount on items for sale in the Gelwick’s Nature Center.
  
• 10% reduced rate on Oakdale's facility rental.
  
• Reduced admission to Oakdale’s special events and programs.
  
• A regular Oakdale newsletter.
  
• The ability to check out books at the Nature Library in the Gelwick’s Nature Center.
  
• Knowing that you are supporting a precious community resource.

Volunteer Opportunities