Nature Center

Ruth Edwards Nature Center 2025

Welcome to the Ruth Edwards Nature Center

Nestled within the scenic 200+ acres of Lowell Park, the Ruth Edwards Nature Center serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of the Dixon Park District. From our forest-based headquarters to our historic programming space at the Reagan Bathhouse on the riverfront, the center offers a unique "stewardship and play" experience designed to connect people of all ages with the beauty of our local ecosystem.

Explore & Discover

  • Forest Preserve & Trails: Step outside to explore over 200 acres of diverse forest and trails.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Inside the Nature Center, visit our touch-and-play tables featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, from soft animal pelts to detailed animal bones.
  • The Historic Reagan Bathhouse: Visit us down by the water! Built in 1922, this historic landmark now serves as a vibrant hub for our river-based programming and water ecology education.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Observe local species in their natural habitat through our large-scale bird viewing window.

Programs & Outreach

  • Sculpting Spring Series: Join our hands-on clay workshops, such as our popular Woodland Animal sessions, where visitors can create or paint their own nature-inspired art.
  • Classroom Outreach: We bring the magic of Lowell Park to local schools with programs like "Artifact & Adventure" and "Story & Spark," designed specifically for high-engagement learning for younger students.
  • Birding 101 & Master Series: Whether you are a "birdwatcher" or a dedicated "birder," our programs offer guided sessions across Dixon’s diverse habitats focusing on identification by sight and sound, binocular expertise, and maintaining a "Lifer List".
  • Seasonal Field Trips: Our spring field trips offer guided discovery led by our expert team, often in collaboration with University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists and their coordinators.
  • Summer Adventure Camps: During the warmer months, we host immersive summer camps where kids can dive deep into nature through hands-on exploration, science-based activities, and outdoor play.
  • Riverfront & Water Adventures: Based out of the Historic Reagan Bathhouse, these sessions offer a unique perspective on our local aquatic ecosystem through guided kayaking and river education.
  • Adventure Hikes: Join us for specialized hikes that go beyond the main trails. From tracking wildlife to identifying native plants, these high-energy treks are perfect for those looking for a deeper physical and educational challenge in the park.
Visit us today to find your place in the natural world!

Location: 2144 Lowell Park Rd, Dixon, IL 61021
Website: LOWELLPARK.COM

Click on an individual activity to learn more.
Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
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Nature Fun For Little Ones: June - Birds: How They Eat 
N/A N/A 06/05/2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join us at The Ruth Edwards Nature Center for exiting, hands-on activities designed to connect kids and families with the wonders of the natural world! Nature Fun For Little Ones is geared for kids ages 3 - 5.  A parent or guardian must attend. 
 
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Paddle & Fest: Grand Detour Canoe & Kayak Adventure! 
12y and up N/A Su  07/19/2026
08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lowell Park
$10.00 Res, $10.00 Non-Res
Get ready for an unforgettable morning on the Rock River with our own Recreation Coordinator & Adventure Extraordinaire, Ryan Jandrey!
 
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Boys Elite Adventure Camp 
7y - 14y N/A MTuWThF  06/01/2026 - 06/05/2026
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lowell Park
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
Elite Adventure Camp
 
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Forest Fairies & Woodland Gnomes Camp 
4y - 9y N/A MTuWThF  07/06/2026 - 07/10/2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
A magical week of building tiny houses and creating enchanted nature crafts tucked away in the trees.
 
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Fort Building & Survival Camp 
8y - 15y N/A MTuWThF  08/03/2026 - 08/07/2026
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
Engineering outdoor shelters and learning the essential basics of "living off the land."
 
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Messy Mud-Goghs Camp 
4y - 9y N/A MTuWThF  07/20/2026 - 07/24/2026
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
Get ready for tactile art! Finger painting with mud and splattering berry pigments, getting super messy is a requirement for this camp.
 
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Nature's Masterpieces Camp 
4y - 9y N/A MTuWThF  06/08/2026 - 06/12/2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
Do you love having fun with nature and little ones? This is a full week of reading, learning, and creating. Each day, we will focus on a different animal native to our beautiful Lowell Forest and create incredible crafts using natural materials.
 
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Nature's Paintbox Camp 
7y - 15y N/A MTuWThF  07/27/2026 - 07/31/2026
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
Learn to make your own paints from berries, mud, and charcoal to create unique, eco-friendly masterpieces.
 
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Pollinator Party Camp 
4y - 9y N/A MTuWThF  08/03/2026 - 08/07/2026
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Ruth Edwards Nature Center
$50.00 Res, $50.00 Non-Res
The perfect mix of nature, glitter, and garden magic! We’ll spend the week crafting sparkly butterfly wings and building cozy bee cottages.
 
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King Of The Hill - Hill Climb Challenge 
N/A N/A Su  06/14/2026
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lowell Park
$20.00 Res, $20.00 Non-Res
Competitive timed race right in the heart of Lowell Park!
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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