Hidden Oaks Officially Reopened In Bolingbrook After 15 Months Of Renovations

BOLINGBROOK, IL — After its grand opening celebration on May 3, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook is officially reopened.

More than 1,400 people attended the “Oak-tacular Comeback Celebration” event, which featured live music, roasted hot dogs, bubbles, tree climbing, beekeepers, face painting, touch-a-truck opportunities and nature activities, the preserve said in a release.

The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover to transform Hidden Oaks into a nature education and recreation hub for northern Will County and beyond, the preserve said. The Forest Preserve bought the 33-acre site from the Bolingbrook Park District in February 2022.

Many of the building’s enhancements highlight the importance of oak trees in environmental habitats, said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve’s executive director.

“Oaks support over 2,000 other species, making them truly a keystone in the community,” he said in a release.

Schultz added that the nature center is more than a building.

“It’s a space for discovery, learning, and inspiration. We hope visitors leave not just with knowledge but with a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Thank you for being part of this journey.”

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook. The building is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The nature center is part of Hidden Oaks Preserve, which also includes Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and the Tackle Box bait shop.