What are your trail hours?

Our trails are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Do you offer guided nature walks or tours?

Yes, we offer guided nature walks and tours for groups and individuals. Please call ahead to schedule.

Are pets allowed on the trails?

Leashed pets are allowed on our trails, but please clean up after them.

What amenities do you offer?

We have restrooms, drinking water, and a picnic area available for our visitors.

Reviews (847) 381-6592 Call Website Photos About

Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington

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4.8 (182)

Tourist Attractions Bird Watching Areas Hiking Areas Nature Preserves Parks

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Crabtree Nature Center is a tourist attraction in Barrington, IL.

Crabtree Nature Center Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

This nature center is a hidden gem, offering scenic trails, educational programs, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Visitors praise the friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and variety of programs for all ages.

Review Rating Chart

Yelp: 4.5/5

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Facebook: 4.8/5

Travelocity: 4.3/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.8

(182 Reviews)

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Loges -Google user

a year ago

Went to the Explore nature event. Amazing stands with different unique demonstrations including bee keeping, yarn weaving, fishing anchoring, wood cookie painting, taxidermy specimens, pressing tokens, wellness stand and orienteering (best one). An hour drive but worth! Will go again to explore the trails!! Amazing...Read More

Clean

Evgeny Barchukov -Google user

a year ago

Great park, around 2.5 miles in size with about 70% covered in forest. Beautiful trees, excellent trails for walking, though not paved. Lakes add to the charm. A pleasant spot! No dogs only hiking.

Alyssa Johns -Google user

a month ago

This is one of my favorite places to go birding! It is so peaceful and there are so many opportunities to see wildlife. I enjoy visiting the bird watching area, the binoculars are spectacular. The nature center is also very informative and fun to walk...Read More

Venkat Chandramoleshwar -Google user

a month ago

Love this Forest preserve with 3-4 trails of varying lengths. Well preserved prairie lands with ponds, birds and deer thriving here. The Nature Center is really well kept with some exhibits suitable for the family. Super helpful staff who are happy to explain and answer...Read More

Located by the Nature center. Clean.Dogs and bikes are not allowed on the trails, per signs posted there.

Brian Miller -Google user

3 months ago

Great place to walk with lots of birds and wildlife. Plenty of parking and people there were so friendly. Kinda reminded me of old school 70's 80's people were kind...answered questions...as there is a small animal museum for the kids and adults. Loved it. Will...Read More

Chanelle S -Google user

8 months ago

Crabtree Nature Center is close by for us, and we like the peaceful walking trails around the lake and out into the open prairie land. It's not a long walk (there are two 1.4 mile loops which can be combined into a ~3 mile walk),...Read More

Steph G -Google user

9 months ago

My daughter loved the nature center! It had a small owl which was really cool to see up close. They also have injured owls in a cage outside of the nature center that you could see. They also have binoculars for rent that you could...Read More

LuckyStar -Google user

2 months ago

I love this place. The lake is peaceful, the trees are stunning, and the flowers add a beautiful touch to the scenery. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views, making every visit a memorable experience. Whether you’re here for a quiet retreat or...Read More

R J -Google user

a year ago

Great place to enjoy the nature and the beautiful diversity of plants and trees. No bikes allowed, no pets allowed too. There s a small nature center and beside it the bathroom.( it s clean ). It has three trails, awesome views. It has plenty of benches to sit...Read More

Thomas Kroll -Google user

3 months ago

Informative displays of native birds, mammals and more. Helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand, also raptors on display. Check their site for nature walks and other events.

Alex Kuper -Google user

Edited 2 months ago

Very nice place with good nature trails. Lots of flowers and birds. Lots of activities for kids. It would be nice to have a picnic tables at the parking area.

Nature playgroundsAvailable by the office buildingDogs are not allowedNo picnic areas available

Susan -Google user

2 years ago

No special reason Crabtree gets a five star rating. I just love a walk in nature so 5 stars it is.🍂🍃🍁 I usually like to visit the indoor nature center but it is being remodeled completely. Due to be finished Spring 2023. The restrooms are...Read More

Robert Moore -Google user

Edited 3 months ago

An absolutely sunny and hot Saturday morning hiking in the prairie. Update 5/27/2023 Beautiful day with a slight breeze. Update 4/27/2025 It’s beautiful here at Crabtree Nature Center. The wind and temperature are perfect for burning a few extra calories. The geese and turtles have taken over the pond,...Read More

Svetla Altevs -Google user

6 years ago

Such a nice place. It’s not busy with visitors, which makes it a nice relaxing place to enjoy nature. Couple of paths to walk on. It has couple of birds to look at outdoors, which was nice. The guy working at the nature center was very...Read More

Andrew -Google user

4 years ago

This place is great if you're looking for some peace and quiet. Far enough from the bustling noise of traffic to really be able to listen and be immersed in the calming ambiance of the forest. Nice long, scenic trails make this place enjoyable for...Read More

Brad Andresen -Google user

2 years ago

Great place for a quiet walk through nature. There is quite a bit of diversity at this location; from mature oaks to mesic prairie, you can find a lot of well kept natural space at this preserve. Plenty of parking, and it is never very...Read More

Mehul Patel -Google user

4 years ago

Great nature center with a 3+ mile walking trail. The trail is not paved but very nice and scenic. Nature center has a few animals for viewing...owls, hawks, and a Turkey vulture. There are restrooms onsite. During covid the nature...Read More

Yana V -Google user

3 months ago

Incredible staff and dedication of what they truly love - the Nature. Any event is created with great attention to the detail- amazing place for adults and little ones.

Lynne Pieper -Google user

8 months ago

Immaculate nature center with excellent naturalist talk about woodpeckers. Wide, almost entirely flat trails -- each of two are 1.4 miles. Unpaved but well-groomed grass, dirt and some gravel sections. No tree roots, no bikes, no dogs. Very pleasant. We will be back!

Very nice.No dogs allowed.

Hasan Askari -Google user

3 months ago

Love this place. Pet-free trails, so it's really great for those of us who don't like being charged by dogs.

Features

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Public restroom

Children

Good for kids

Kid-friendly hikes

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Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington

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