Scout & Custom Groups | Park District of Highland Park

Have you wanted to learn about nature and never knew where to begin?

Have you always wanted to learn about nature but never knew where to begin? A Heller Naturalist can create a program that is based around your interests and needs, including leading your group on a nature walk, teaching a workshop, and helping you earn a scout badge. We can also visit your group for an informational discussion.

We have a wide variety of established, popular programs listed below.
Fees are shown as resident/non-resident.

Programs take place at Heller Nature Center and Rosewood Beach.

To inquire about scout group programs, booking or designing a program for your group, please call Mark Bryant at 847.579.4184.

Archery $9/9.25 per person
Beekeeping (here at Heller or we can bring a portable observation beehive to you) $9/9.25 per person
Campfire and hike $11/11.50 per person
Canoeing at $250 for up to 10 participants (2 hours)
Cross country skiing $11/ 11.25 per person

Fire Building $9/9.25 per person
Geocaching $9/9.25 per person
Naturalist Interactive Hike $9/9.25 per person
Pond Discovery $9/9.25 per person
Shelter Building $9/9.25 per person

Self-Guided

If you enjoy roasting marshmallows or love sitting by a fire, campfire rings are available for rental upon reservation. Make your reservation at least two weeks in advance by calling 847.433.6901.

Take yourself through nature. Heller Nature Center is open dawn to dusk for you and your group to walk the trails and explore the natural wonders of our 97-acre preserve. Visit our Log Cabin’s Design in Nature exhibit filled with hands-on activities. Stop inside the Interpretive Center during business hours (Tuesday 11:30am-5pm; Wednesday-Friday 10:30-5pm; Saturday 9am-3pm) and visit our Nature Exhibit featuring a bird watching station, a 450-gallon aquarium and interactive displays about the three main biological communities found at Heller or check out one of our seasonal scavenger hunts available at the front desk.