I took an injured bird I found in my yard there. They heal many types of animals. It is a great community resource.

Awful renovation No wildlife to see here anymore. What use to be a great place to visit with kids is no more. Woods eliminated lake looks like a small pond now. No Crains outside. Nothing indide the large new building now except a class room Fake displays with recordings. Viewing windows for possible animal treatment if you get lucky to see something going on. Tree elimination seems to be the name of the game with DuPage County Forest preserve. I would say this was a huge waste of tax funds and negative progress read more

I took my mom, my nieces and nephew. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time walking at own pace without the large crowds. I didn't have to be overly concerned about safety. The staff and the visitors were friendly. I wish there were more animals, but the overall experience including the play area was wonderfully entertaining. read more

I'd give it 0 stars if I could. After driving for over an hour, I was turned away when I brought in a baby bird because they don't accept certain non-native species. Since the bird wasn't rare, they showed no interest. I also witnessed two other people with wildlife being turned away within seconds. read more

I have a huge bump on my head. This ain't your normal bug bite. It's some kind of monstrous beast of a bite that takes up half my forehead. Thankfully I have bangs that I can strategically place to cover up said bug bite. But I never learn - I always forget to douse myself in bug spray before going to these nature places. My first word of advice for you all is : Put on bug spray! Bam. Willowbrook opens at 9 each day and is open every day. There is no admission cost but there is a donation box near the entrance - DONATE! Read a bit about the center before you go so you can fully appreciate all they are doing for the animals and where your money is going. Willowbrook has a nature center full of animals plus some nature trails with animals and others without the furry & feathered friends. I've had Willowbrook on my must do list for months and am glad I finally got the chance to go yesterday morning. I spent just about an hour there and I think that was sufficient time to explore the area. I even met a nice lady who was also there solo and for her first time...she agreed it was great. I swear I could stand there watching the animals forever. Like a lunatic I start laughing at the silly little groundhog as he gnawed on the wood in his cage. A woodchuck eating wood - ha! Up in Wisconsin last week I saved a groundhog's life as I slammed my breaks on, while he slowly sauntered across the road. Plus I had one in my tree at my last apartment and he just chilled up there for a couple hours! I had never seen anything like that before. So groundhogs & me, we're tight. I also loved the bobcat. Just a big ol' kitty cat. I wanted to climb in his cage and pet him and love him forever, such a cutie. Adorable fox siblings were there, tons of different varieties of birds including turkey vultures, hawks, cute owls and a badass bald eagle. An opossum, too! They were all super cute, most were up and atom not just laying & sleeping. Pro-tip with any animal viewing: Dawn and dusk are always their most active times. Inside were a bunch of birds, frogs, snakes, turtles and more. I liked the gray Eastern Screech Owl inside the best. He kept blinking at me and one time even winked! Aw! They had a chipmunk and some other animals in their care area behind the glass including a gaggle of baby opossums all snuggling together. The cool thing is you can follow their Facebook that they update regularly to see what animals are in & the stories behind them. I loved being able to read the animals' stories and learn information about them as I went along. Yep, I learned stuff while here. Got my edumacation on. I love learning (I'm a nerd), love animals and love getting out on nature trails and Willowbrook ties it all together for me. As Nicole L. mentions, it's rough getting good pictures here because of the wiring on their cages but it must be necessary for the little guys so I won't hold it against them. I loved Willowbrook and it's not too bad of a drive from Schaumburg so I'll be back often. read more

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Owls and foxes and bald eagles, oh my! Yep. You can find all of these here, and more. Not only is Willowbrook Wildlife Center a small nature retreat within the forest preserve, but it's also an animal rehabilitation and education center. Wild animals are brought here to recover from from injuries and illnesses before being released back into the wild or given a home. If you find a falcon tangled in some wires, this is the place to bring it. It's also free to visit, but they accept and encourage donations. (Note: donate!!) I have yet to step inside the building, but I've wandered around the grounds. There are a couple short, looping paths through the forest (and a sandhill crane enclosure) with different types of scenery, but the animal enclosures near the entrance are my favorite. They have various owls, birds, foxes (including one with three legs), a woodchuck, a bobcat, and more. My favorite was the bald eagle. I've seen a few bald eagle enclosures in the area, and this is the largest area I've seen for the eagle. I almost couldn't find him on my first visit until I spotted a flash of white perched high up on a branch. A small butterfly garden is there, as well. I didn't see too many butterflies while I was there, but I sat by the little pond, watching the colorful fish swim around. So peaceful. You can easily spend an hour of your day here. I've been here a few times after work to be outdoors and unwind after a long day. The place closes at 5pm, so there's a bit of a time crunch. When the weather warms up again, I'll be visiting the animals again. read more

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The kind and helpful staff at Willowbrook Wildlife Center was very much appreciated as we were seeking aid for an injured squirrel in our backyard. Sadly the squirrel did not make it before we reached Willowbrook but their kindness was very much appreciated. read more

What a wonderful organization! I have recommended others to take wildlife here before but it wasn't until today that I had to experience the center firsthand. Our dog caught and injured a rabbit. I called the center and was greeted by the friendliest receptionist. When we arrived a gentleman took the rabbit and gave us a number with which to follow up on. This is just a fantastic place read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

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All the times I've drive by this place and wondered what it was about. So glad we made time to stop and check it out. Beautiful paths to stroll around on and some of the wildlife loved the Little Koi pond by the butterfly garden. It is free to enter but ask for a suggested donation of a dollar a person which is such a bargain even if that's all you give. Which I hope everyone donates at least a dollar. It's so important to keep things like this funded for generations to come. They rescue and allow the public to learn a little about wildlife as well as to be able to see some of them. read more

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Still 5 star worthy! The Mel and I went this past weekend to rock out and watch Dupage locale animals just hang out and be themselves in a non-intimidating atmosphere. We toured the whole place and even went on one of the mini trails... might go back next weekend for a longer trail walk when I learn to put real pants on when entering the wilderness. We saw a bald eagle, golden eagle, a ravenous bird eat another dead bird's head off (brain hanging out of mouth and all- not my fave but it happened), some foxes (one 3 legged), some labyrinth owls, butterflies, some harry potter owls, a royal tenenbaums peregrine falcon, an opossum, a bobcat, some turkey vultures and many more totally cool annie- mals. They have picnic grounds and hiking trails and a children's learning center as well... and don't forget to read my first and more informative review about their on site hospital and super sexy staff. Hint- do a walk through around 4:30 when it's the Bobcat's feeding time- he's a pretty hip cat, if i do say so myself. read more

I'd been wanting to take my kid here for a while now and I was not disappointed! This is a great place to come with kids to walk around, see some Illinois native animals, and visit nature! This is a small nature center with a little building that has recovering squirrels and birds that you can see as well as a little table with some activities for kids. Since there are animals inside, they have signs everywhere saying this is a "Whisper Only" environment. So if you're kids are too small to listen to you when you tell them "inside voices", this may not be the best place for you. (Warning: they were getting the food ready for the animals and you could see into their lab area. There were rats and mice cut in half on tables, blood, other dead creatures etc. So if you have kids in tow that you don't want them to see, don't pick them up to see through the glass. It was no big deal for me since my little one isn't tall enough to see through the tall window) There is a lovely pathway around the building with enclosures of animals such as fox, owls, etc. They are pretty cool to see and point out to your kids. The pathway extends much further into a little nature walk. It took us about 20-30 minutes to walk the perimeter, but in all honesty, I'm not sure if we saw everything. Lunchtime rolled around and we needed to find some picnic tables stat to feed the little tummies. Back near the parking lot there are picnic tables with a roof over most of them. As we started to eat lunch we saw a nature preserve worker start walking our way with a huge owl on her arm. She was so sweet, she saw us eating lunch and decided to bring an owl over for us to see up close. This was the icing on the cake for our visit in my opinion. Now, full disclosure, I personally hate owls. They creep me out and I blame The Labyrinth - I saw that movie too young and that scary owl has given me nightmares ever since. But she brought out a Barred Owl and the kids thought it was so fun to see close up. She talked about the particular owl and gave us a little owl 101. The preserve is free but they have a box at the entrance with a suggestion of $1 per person donation for your visit. Definitely make your way here on a nice day! read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Got to see a Barred Owl up close! - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

I was very happy that they took in a squirrel that looked like it was having seizures, during a time that they were overwhelmed with wildlife emergencies. I only wish I could know what ever happened to that little creature. They are the only hope for wild animals in trouble, since local police is not able to assist in these situations. read more

Such a great and wonderful place in our community! Have been visiting with my family for 20+ years. Just recently dropped off an injured Robin for rescue. The Center's staff are extremely helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable! Made the experience a very positive one. Take your family here when you can! read more

I love this place for its educational potential! The interior is kept clean and the animals are well cared for at this rescue center. The staff are friendly and helpful. It's a great place for kids of all ages. The animals (raptors, cats etc.) that are outside are in cages, wind along paths that are stroller friendly. Bring bug spray just to be safe. Willowbrook has recently completed a beautiful paver parking lot! Tons of free parking! 14 Picnic tables & 1 bike rack are located on the south end of the parking lot. Oh yea! Don't forget donate! read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Outdoor stage area - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is THE BEST in it's area of expertise. They rehabilitate injured and orphaned animals while teaching the public ways they can avoid causing injuries in the first place. Willowbrook appreciates donations and enlists the daily help of volunteers. Visit : http://www.dupageforest.com/GetInvolved/Volunteer/ for more info. If you want to learn about birds, native flora and fauna, insects, wildlife in a family friendly manner? then come to Willowbrook! Open to the public 7 days a week. Closed most major holidays. Willowbrook Wildlife Center 525 S. Park Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6932 Phone: (630) 942-6200 Email: willowbrook@dupageforest.com read more

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DO NOT GO HERE!! Before we decided go here with a raccoon with slight injuries, we spoke to the employees and saw the place. They made it seem like they are trustworthy people. This is absolutely NOT the case. This is a very large area with many cages where they can help a lot of animals. This is simply an attempt to show humane efforts, but in reality they are cruel. Many years ago we brought a squirrel here with more extensive injuries and it was put down. We should have learned from our mistake and not come here again, however, we thought they could help this young raccoon. With their pathetic attempt to help this animal that could have lived, they resorted to murdering a young raccoon. Every person that comes here, gives a donation in hopes that they are doing a good thing. STAY AWAY. These people do not help; they are cruel, careless, and take your money without any remorse to animals that could live. They brag about how many animals they have helped, but the amount they put down is staggeringly higher. I will never go here again and neither should anyone else. read more

Wonderful facility and kind, caring staff. We called after finding an injured baby cottontail today that wasn't able to move it's back legs and they were able to see us same day to take a look at him. We were very grateful that they took the time to help us with the poor thing and the blonde women who worked intake (I am sorry that I'd didn't think to ask her name) was very friendly and explained the situation to us. It was a very positive and informative intake for my three young children as well. Afterwards, we walked the beautiful nature trail and saw the various owls, hawks etc. housed there. We also made a donation in honor of the little cottontail we dropped off to support their fantastic work. A very positive experience despite our initial reason for coming. We plan to come back many more times to visit the nature and wildlife center and look forward to seeing their upcoming renovations be completed. Every city/town should have a facility such as this one with such lovely, dedicated staff. read more

Today I bring this lithe and beautiful ovenbird to this place I hope they take care of him, the place is beautiful you can see many wild animals. read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

So grateful for the help you all provided our squirrel, Ralph. Also, Ellen, one of the volunteers, was so helpful. Thank you!! read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

One of my favorite places to take the family and the kids absolutely loved it. Captures the hometown feel of glen ellyn but also educational for kids and a good cause. They also rehab animals and we've taken several baby birds over to willow brook and they're really sweet they even gave us updates about the baby birds health. read more

I would hesitate taking wild animals here, though I don't know if there are other options. Long story short, we had baby bunnies in our backyard that for various reasons we thought were abandoned by their mother (maybe she had gotten hurt, etc.). We called WWC and they said we could bring them in and they would raise them, then release them into the wild. We did so and were told the same thing when we went in. That same night, we saw the mama bunny in the backyard looking for her babies. We practically camped out on the WWC sidewalk the next morning waiting for them to open to so we could bring the bunnies back to our yard. But we were told that morning that the bunnies had been *killed on arrival* in order to be fed to the birds of prey at the center. My now-15-year-old son was six or seven at the time and absolutely devastated. The worst was that a couple of weeks later we got this postcard in the mail saying basically "we tried everything we could but the bunnies didn't survive," which is baloney. They killed them to feed them to birds *upon arrival* (which is the exact opposite of doing everything they could). I'm sure the center has many redeeming qualities, but after that we couldn't in good conscience recommend anyone bring an injured or otherwise in-need-of-care animal there. If you are okay not knowing the outcome and/or being willing to have the animals you do bring there immediately fed to birds of prey, then perhaps this is not an issue for you. It was an issue for us. read more

I don't know why we waited so many years to visit the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. It's a wonderful place! Willowbrook Wildlife Center provides rehabilitation to native and migrant wildlife in DuPage county including mammals, birds (songbirds to raptors), amphibians & reptiles. Just last month the center released 275 rehabilitated animals back into the wild. You can visit for free, but a nominal donation is requested In the visitor's center are many animals which for one reason or another could not survive in the wild and therefore will not be released. Children (& adults) can meet and pet Tank, the very large gray rabbit. You can also meet a dove, whose name I have forgotten, who wants to be the center of attention and who will coo & coo if you talk to her/him. You can see through windows into some of the rooms where abandoned baby animals are being raised to be released. When we visited there were lots of baby opossums. There are often baby raccoons and robins. There are all kinds of birds in the visitors center: blue jays, robins, cardinals, goldfinches, orioles, juncos, owls, a green heron. It's fun to get so close to them. There were also turtles and snakes when we were there. On the Animal Trail outside the visitor's center (a path that winds past various enclosed habitats) you will meet a red-tailed hawk, a peregrine falcon, many different owls (and other raptors), foxes, gulls, a woodchuck, and our favorite, the bobcat. We call him the bobkitty. If you talk to this cat in that high-pitched tone you use for your house cat, he will blink slowly and sometimes give you a kitty "smile". If you talk to the woodchuck, he will come to the side of the enclosure closest to you and sit. He was raised by humans for part of his life and seems to want to hang out. I'd pat him on the head if I could. On our first visit, we were fortunate to meet a kestrel out for a 'walk' (tethered to a glove) with one of the volunteers. The kestrel was new to Willowbrook Wildlife Center and the volunteer was taking him out and about to get him accustomed to his new surroundings and to people. What a beautiful bird! This is a great place to see wild animals up close. I think it would be an excellent place for teaching children about wildlife. Plus it's a smaller and quieter and, IMHO, more realistic than a zoo. We have not yet taken the quarter mile trail through the back 40 acres of the center. Willowbrook Wildlife Center is operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and located on a 50-acre preserve near the College of DuPage. It is open every day from 9 - 5. Parking is easy.. read more

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Come migration season, Willowbrook, the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, and their network of volunteers are a birds best friend. Why you ask? Because these organizations employ a multitude of volunteers to sweep the city for injured birds that have collided with buildings/windows who then transport the injured animals to a rehabilitation facility. Last year, a bird slammed into my office window, and after seeing the bird didn't fly away after some time, I called Willowbrook, they directed me on what to do with the bird, and then a volunteer came within an hour to transport the bird to Willowbrook. So, if you find a migratory bird that seems friendly, is quietly sitting by your building or lets you approach, this bird is most likely injured, and you need to call: Willowbrook's Hotline Number: 630-942-6200 CBCM Collision Hotline Number 773 988 1867 These organizations are providing an invaluable service to the city of Chicago, and it's easy to do your part. http://www.birdmonitors.net/firstaid.html read more

This place is phenominal. Willowbrook houses animals that could no longer be in the wild or are being nursed back to health for reintroduction into the wild. The volunteers really enjoy working there and are more than willing to talk about the animals, exhibits and the facility in general. It opens to a beautiful nature trail where you can see some natural prairie settings and tons of different birds flying freely and an exhibit for their cranes. They even have information with each exhibit on the conditions the animals were rescued from and why they are being kept at Willowbrook. Great place to go for a walk on a nice day. Highly recommend visitng and be sure to donate whatever you can for a great cause! read more

I'm always paranoid about visiting these places. I'm the guy who doesn't like zoos. Don't get me wrong; I love animals, and I can spend hours and hours and hours watching a seemingly empty cage, sure that any minute the creature is going to wake up, shuffle out of its lair, turn around and go right back to sleep for another six hours. And that's why I don't like zoos. I'm willing to wait, but do these animals really want to be caged up like this? But the Willowbrook Wildlife Center is something different. Rather than capturing local animals just to show them off, this place rehabilitates animals that have been injured due to human interaction. Whether they were shot by hunters, got trapped in a sewer, or were run over by a semi, all of these critters would have died a slow, painful death in the wild if they hadn't been brought here. Once they're healthy again, the center tries to release them into the wild if appropriate. But many of these guys would not be able to survive in the wild, so the center keeps them on display. The displays are pretty neat. I've seen all these animals before, but because this isn't a zoo but looks like your typical interpretive nature center, it's quite surprising to be walking around outside and suddenly see a bald eagle in its perch. Or a few red foxes way up on a wooden platform. And the owls are so cute. If my younger niece, who is obsessed with owls, lived anywhere near Chicago, I'd bring her here all the time. The inside is a little run down, but I love the fact that you can actually see them feeding and caring for the animals. This place reminds me of so many field trips from my childhood, but instead of being stressed out because I was still technically in school even if I wasn't physically in school, I can now spend at much time as I want waiting for those sleeping animals to pop their heads out of their dens. read more

I'm sure I don't have much to say that hasn't been said already, but I wanted to add my review to the stack. 5 stars! Love this place! I took my little ones here on a humid day, when we needed a break from playgrounds and heat. The indoor space is simple and perfect for young kids to explore whatever interests them. Aside from the animals living in the rehabilitation area, there are puzzles and books that fit the nature theme. It is a quieter area, so don't come expecting Monkey Joe's or any sort of extravagant entertainment. This is not a place for parents and caregivers to take a break, more for us to engage with our kids and encourage their curiosity. We didn't spend as much time visiting the animals outdoors, but we did pass a bald eagle. Wow! My son also got to help release a bird back into the wild, after it had been found injured and cared for by the center. The indoor and outdoor areas engaged my 1 year old and 4 year old well, and I'd say the wildlife would be interesting to kids and adults of any age. We'll be back to visit time and time again. I understand that the organization depends on donations to succeed, so I will be sure to bring cash for the donation box. read more

Such a gem for the community! They have an amazing display of animals that are being rehabilitated currently, as well as some resident animals that can't be released. It is clear that the animal care staff love their their animals with a passion. read more

Not as good as seeing all these animals in the wild, but it's nice to see some animals as they are recovering or that would otherwise not survive in the wild. Also, a good choice if you feel weird going to zoos but like seeing animals. It's free too, but they need donations to keep running. They have small birds, reptiles, and amphibians inside, and larger animals outside. When I went a staffmember was walking around with a screech owl on her arm that had lost an eye, so you can see them up close sometimes. The sandhill cranes were very friendly, and came up to investigate as soon as we stopped over. We saw a milk snake eating, but that's not a sight for everyone to enjoy. They also have an wild animal clinic here, so if you find an injured animal you can contact them for help. read more

This wildlife center rehabilitates sick and injured animals, and then releases them back into the wild if deemed fit to survive on their own. It is a good thing they're doing there. Admission is free, although they do take donations. I work nearby and decided to stop by and take a stroll during lunch break today. Time feels so much better spent here than shopping at the mall or TJ Maxx/Nordstrom Rack for the millionth time! There was a surprising lot of animals housed at this center -- all worth checking out. But my favorites had to be the red and grey owl couple housed indoors, the bobcat outside, and the 3-legged amputee red fox. read more

I enjoy visiting here particularly in the summer when their butterfly garden is in full bloom. They have a lot of animals inside and out but their cage design makes it difficult to get good photos of them. It's still a great place to take a nice leisurely walk and look at some animals, however. read more

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Great place to take toddlers to see nature. There is a lot for them to see and touch. Walking trails outside allow them to see some animals, such as hawks, eagles, foxes, etc. There is also a clinic where they take care of animals that are sick or injured. read more

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Oh my gosh this place is great. Not just for the cool animals you can look at, but for the great work they do here. The center is nestled away in a quiet little neighborhood so it is the perfect setting for a nice walk or to take the kids. We were here recently for an event they had. Apparently every few months the center hosts an evening with the animals for kids and to raise money for their programs. My son was able to meet and pet lots of snakes and we had pizza outside. How can you go wrong? Aside from the cool stuff this center is probably the best authority on what to do if you find an animal in need. They rehab everything from squirrels and snakes to hawks and bobcats. They are always in need of donations so every time I visit I will bring some worms for the tenants to snack on! read more

An excellent place to take a walk and look at some interesting species. I love that the critters outside have background stories posted on why they are staying at the wildlife center. My children enjoy it here. There is also a really beautiful trail! read more

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center - Caught the eagle in flight! - Zoos Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Cool place with some really interesting animal exhibits. WWC is also a rehab facility of sorts for wild animals that have been injured. Also cool. There is a small stream that flows through the property that is nice for a short walk. read more

Hello Yelp. Long time visitor, first time complainer. My mom and I found a young squirrel on the sidewalk that had fallen out of a tree. We called Willowbrook and immediately started getting pushback on the phone. They told us if the squirrel was too young they couldn't treat him. Though I am not a squirrel expert, it was definitely not a baby. I would compare it to a 12 year old; can it take care of itself? Yeah, but we all know 12 year olds can't do much without mom. We brought it in and it was examined far too quickly. If my doctor examined and diagnosed me that quickly, I'd be changing doctors. We were told it was too young to be treated. They told us it needed to be fed at night but they close at 5 so they couldn't take him. We were told to create a makeshift nest and use twine to tie it onto the tree. The people were very lazy and we only received the help we needed when we asked for things specifically. I don't carry twine in my pockets because I'm normal. I don't think we were asking for a lot. The Willowbrook woman told us she had a miscommunication with her coworker and made it sound as if they would take the squirrel. Sike! They still wouldn't. Her coworker was saying there was no point in the makeshift nest because the squirrel had been abandoned by the mother. Unless the squirrel was nursed back to health, he was out of luck. Willowbrook neither euthanized the squirrel nor took him into their rescue. He was handed back to us. I believe it was morally wrong the squirrel was handed back to us in an Amazon prime box suffering. It is their moral obligation to euthanize an animal they know is going to perish. If it were a German Shepard or a tabby cat, we could've taken the animal to a vet where they specialize in helping domesticated animals and ultimately put it out of its misery. We took the squirrel to a wildlife center where they specialize in helping wildlife animals, such as squirrels, and they did nothing. read more

I have used this organization twice when I have found injured birds and I can't say enough good things about them! They are there to help injured or sick birds as well as baby birds that have lost their way and need a helping hand. They are really knowledgeable and they help those that have no where else to go. They have a great network of volunteers that will help transport birds to their location if you are far away from Glen Ellyn. I loved that within an hour of finding an injured bird they had a volunteer at my house ready and willing to drive the bird all the way to the rescue facility. They fight the good fight and I am so glad to know they exist! read more

What a wonderful place! I found a baby squirrel and brought him to Willowbrook. The place is clean, well maintained, and a wonderful environment for animals being rehabilitated, or cared for if they are injured. Staff was friendly, helpful, and very responsive to emails and questions. The center also has large areas with different species of animals that can be viewed, with a little history about each one. You can even watch them prepare the animals meals! One of the best places in the world! I left so happy knowing the baby squirrel would be well taken care of, rehabilitated, and set free in a natural environment. A beautiful place! read more

We stopped by today, took in a little nature, relaxed, regrouped and noticed something additional to their center. The membership levels are quite a bit lower than what they were in years past: which is great, allowing more to sponsor their work in tough $$ times. They also do offer "adoptions" which are slightly more costly than membership rates, but considering what they offer the public; and the enrichment they maintain for creatures in rehab, it's a nice charity to follow. read more

My daughter refers to this as the "Little Zoo" (with the "big" zoo being Brookfield). It's a great choice when she wants to get out to see animals if there isn't time to make the trip to Brookfield. The center consists of an education building housing small animals (song birds, reptiles, and amphibians) and activities, an outdoor area with caged (and permanently disabled) animals native to the area, and a nature trail loop. There are some picnic tables near the parking area. In the education center, you'll find various displays about wildlife native to the area, a stage and activity area for kids, an indoor "treehouse" with seats and books to read, as well as friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and staff. There are windows into the rehabilitation room for small mammals and the kitchen where meals for the animals are prepared. The center has pet rabbits and rats that they bring out for the children to pet. Children can put on a puppet show with a large selection of animal puppets, and there is an activity table with puzzles and games. There are plenty of informational brochures about area wildlife, living with wildlife, and so on. Outside, you will find a dozen cages with various birds and mammals on display. All resident animals were injured in one manner or another and brought to the center. Unfortunately, their injuries prevented them from being released. There are several species of owls, a golden and bald eagle, a falcon, turkey vultures, bobcat, raccoons, and foxes on display. During the summer, the staff will walk around with different animals for the visitors to see up close. The staff is always knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about their animals. Finally, there is a butterfly garden and small pool with fish. The nature trail is short, maybe a quarter mile loop, over crushed gravel passing a pond/marsh, woods, and prairie. At the far end of the trail you'll find two caged sandhill cranes (again, injured and unable to be released). Donations are suggested. Overall, a nice place for young kids to visit. read more

Willowbrook is a great place for animal lovers! I'm a frequent visitor, and it helps that donations are suggested. In addition to the permanent animals (red foxes, the bobcat, owls), there are nursery animals that get changed often. I saw baby squirrels, chipmunks, little hummingbirds, and turtles in the nursery the other day. It isn't a very large place, but it is fun to walk around on a nice day. It's small enough that it could even be a fun trip for a family with small children (entertaining but not too big and overwhelming). Willowbrook makes a fun little outing. You can pop by for a short while and not feel bad about it because it only costs a dollar (or free, since it is only a suggestion). I've especially appreciated this because of how expensive the Morton Arboretum has gotten in recent years. When I go there, I feel like I have to make an entire day of it. Willowbrook is a nice place to walk around and lift your spirits, and it makes a great change from the usual routine of browsing stores on the weekend. read more