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September 2023 by Paul Hay
This was a pleasant surprise to find great Forest trails lots of shade and I was even more surprised to find that the bird sanctuary has my favorite bird the peregrine falcon
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April 2023 by Bob R.
As the weather has warmed through March in the Chicago burbs, we've been trying to enjoy nature by hiking through various Park Preserves. Still man is known for their raptors - owls and hawks. I remember going here years ago on class trips when our kids were young.The owls aren't out this early, but the paths were open. They were muddy from the Spring rains but that didn't deter us. Throughout the park there are multiple paths which split off from one another. There are maps on each trail, but they are opposite what you would expect. This made it easy to get lost, which happened a few times. Ultimately, we found our car. This made the hike longer than we'd planned, but it was worth it.A trip to Spellman Nature Center is nice in the early spring. We plan to go back over the summer when the birds and animals are out, and everything is blooming.
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November 2022 by John DuBois
An excellent "private" nature center. Please note limited hours of operation.
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October 2022 by Monica Mitchell
I've lived in the area for over 40 years and didn't know about this hidden gem.Many trails. Some on the water front.If it just rained in the past couple of days the trails are muddy. Wear proper shoes.This nature preserve has many different breeds of owls and a Peregrine Falcon. All of the birds they exhibit are permanently injured (e.g. hit by a car) and would not survive in the wild.Restrooms: There is one flushable toilet. The toilet is in the house by the birds.
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September 2022 by Ermin
We have been here once but we really enjoyed it. Lots of interesting birds and a very friendly grounds keeper.
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June 2022 by sue jacobs
Limited hours so check before you go.This is a jewel of a place. Not very big so easy to see it all. Nice home for the owls and raptors that can no longer live in the wild.As we walked, a golf cart came by and a volunteer warned us to be aware of ticks in parts of the center. We walked in the grassland area and OH BOY, the ticks sure found us! Luckily I was wearing white pants and white socks so I was able to flick them off easily. I counted at least 20 ticks on my clothing. So go - but wear repellant or prepared to do a thorough tick check when you leave.
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November 2021 by Grant Fifield
I give this place a 4 of 5 only because it is a little run down. The reason for this though is it is non profit and run by volunteers which they need more of and anything can be amazing when community comes together. When you arrive at the entrance, you're not sure if it even is open. There are also no bathrooms and no actual "center" as in a building so it is a little misleading that way. It does have a lot of birds of prey enclosures a long a short walking trail and other trails on site that I'm sure are beautiful in summer. I took my children there on a fundraiser weekend when birds of prey were held by volunteers, my kids liked that. There is a trail map at the beginning of the dirt parking lot.
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April 2021 by susan malkowski
Easter Sunday walk in the woods. Squill wildflowers in abundance.
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February 2021 by Emily Cherkinian
Such a beatiful palce and all the birds are very well t6aken care by thw wonderful staff
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February 2021 by Dave Barthel
Great place to walk around and enjoy the nature.
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January 2021 by Michelle H
Beautiful place for a wintry walk in the woods!
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January 2021 by Jan
I called for help on a bird that hit our window. A man advised me, and it was great advice!! The bird flew away.Thank you!
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November 2019 by E Y
Fun and educational event with the raptors out of their enclosures
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September 2019 by Betty Westlund
Beautiful, peaceful, and a nice easy area to hike. We came to watch the bird banding today, and it was both interesting and informative. Everyone there was very friendly and obviously very knowledgeable.
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September 2019 by Paul Nelson
A little jewel in the NW suburbs. Well maintained paths and a small selection of captive raptors.
