Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
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, 2025-10-11 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) and 2 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

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 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

Dulcimer Club
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-08 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.

Acoustic Music Jam
2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 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.

Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
2025-10-15 17:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center
See past Board Meeting Minutes & Agendas here.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.

Barn Colony Artists
2025-11-01 - 2025-12-31 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
North Gallery
Discover works in watercolor, pastels, oil, and mixed media depicting subjects from nature to portraits by talented artists in our community.

Dave Castor Photography Exhibit
2025-11-01 - 2025-12-31 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
South Gallery
Explore animals, nature scenes, and landscapes through the lens of photographer Dave Castor.

Star Party
2025-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Join our naturalists for a celebration of all things space! Be some of the first guests to step into our brand new StarLab Planetarium, look at the sky through a telescope, make a space craft, and roast some s’mores over the fire.
$5/person. Register online by October 31.
Register Online for this Event

Colorful Leaves Mini Camp
2025-11-04 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-06 09:30 - 10:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Children ages 1 through 5 will explore nature with an adult companion through crafts, activities, songs, and stories.
In this hour long camp, children will learn to analyze their surroundings and begin their love of exploration of the outside world through crafts, activities, songs, stories and hikes. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children and have the comfort of a loved one nearby.
In Colorful Leaves, children will explore the lives of nature’s only flying mammal and learn what it means to be nocturnal.
$8/child. Online registration required.
Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of water will be available for each child. Location for these programs will be in the East Conference Classroom.
Register Online for this Event

Visit the Sites Tour
2025-11-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Join a naturalist at Rock Springs Nature Center, then hop in our van as we visit some of the other District sites throughout the county.
$10/person. Register online by November 3.
Register Online for this Event

Candlelight Tour
2025-11-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Electricity and modern conveniences were not always at our fingertips. Glimpse what an evening in the 1860s was like at Homestead Prairie Farm, lit by candlelight and lamplight, as guides in period clothing walk you through the home.
Free. No registration required.

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Veterans Day
2025-11-11 | IL
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open for its regular hours. The business offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday.

Homeschool Program: Wild Weather
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Homeschool children ages 5-15 can join a naturalist and explore nature and history topics through discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and games. Homeschool students will spend time indoors and outdoors, investigating concepts and engaging with nature.
In Wild Weather, discover some of the many weather types we encounter in Illinois and learn about the effects of climate change. Participants will explore weather and climate through activities and outdoor exploration
Event requirements
Register online by noon November 10.
$15/child.
Register Online for this Event

The Meskwaki Siege of 1730 in Central Illinois
2025-11-15 14:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
In 1700s Illinois, the French colonial empire allied with some Native Americans while it fought others including the Meskwaki people (once commonly known as the Fox tribe). In the summer of 1730, the Meskwaki fled French forces, but were encircled near the headwaters of the Sangamon River. Guest speaker Bill Kemp, Librarian of the McLean County History Museum, will explore the little-known story of the 20-day siege and its tragic outcome.
Free. No registration required.

Preschool Peepers: Silly Spiders
2025-11-16 14:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Learn about our misunderstood spider friends through a story, craft, and outdoor exploration.
$2/child. Register online by November 14.
Register Online for this Event
