Macon County Conservation District

Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
2025-09-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-04 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) and 5 more dates | Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there, located at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
>> Read more about Homestead Prairie Farm

Acoustic Music Jam
2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Enjoy live bluegrass tunes at the monthly Acoustic Music Jam. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune, or simply enjoy the talents of these volunteer musicians.
Event requirements
None
Free
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle.
$5/adult and $2/child.
The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, IL.
>> Learn more about the Oglesby Mansion

Bethel School Open House
2025-10-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Argenta, IL, 62501, United States
See what going to school was like in the early 20th century at this historic one-room schoolhouse located at Friends Creek Conservation Area.
Bethel School is one of the best treasures in Macon County. Come and tour this one-room schoolhouse that served Macon County for over 50 years.
Step back in history and tour Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Admission is free and all ages are invited to attend.
>> Read more about the Bethel School House

Brock Rowland Photography Exhibit
2026-01-02 - 2026-02-28 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
South Gallery
View photographs of plants and animals that our Program Specialist and gallery coordinator Brock Rowland has spotted on his outdoor adventures.

Dulcimer Club
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers.
Event requirements
None
Free
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.

Succulents and Sweethearts: Terrarium Workshop
2026-02-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Bring a friend or loved one to design a small, valentine-themed terrarium at Rock Springs! Supplies and cookies will be provided.
Event requirements
$15/person. Register by February 12.
Register Online for this Event

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day
2026-02-16 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open Monday, February 16. Conservation District business offices will be closed for Presidents’ Day.

Wilderness Walk
2026-02-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Sand Creek Conservation Area, Sand Creek Open Space Reservation, Decatur, IL, United States
Event details
Join a naturalist on a leisurely walk along a District trail to explore and learn a little something along the way.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by noon the day prior.
Register Online for this Event

Decatur’s First Photographers
2026-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Several professional photographers briefly stopped in or called Decatur their home in the years before and during the Civil War. Learn about their history as we discover our first local photographers, find evidence of their time in Decatur, and view some of their surviving work.
Event requirements
Free. No registration required.

60th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast
2026-02-28 08:00 - 11:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Kick off our 60th anniversary celebration with a bit of nostalgia! Staff will be serving up all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Before or after breakfast, enjoy an educational maple syrup program and tasting. Breakfast served between 8 and 11am. Maple syrup programs held at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30am.
Event requirements
Tickets are available day-of, but advance purchase is strongly encouraged to ensure availability.
$10/person.
Buy Your Tickets Today
