OUTDOOR TRAILS

THE WDC'S OUTDOOR TRAILS ARE OPEN TUES/FRI/SAT/SUN 10-4.

IMPORTANT: 

• As it has taken a while for our animals to re-acclimate to having guests, please keep your voices low, movements slow, and stay on the trail. 

• All visitors are required to wear a mask/face covering. No exceptions. 

• Also, visitors must be socially distanced. No exceptions. 

• No pets allowed.

INDOOR EXHIBITS

Our indoor exhibits have re-opened! The WDC's Indoor Exhibits are open Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun. Admission is free.

We have great options for virtual animal experiences! Please click on the box below!

VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Hours:

• Regular hours are Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10-4. 

• Closed Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

• There is a one-way trail set up to visit our amazing outdoor animals. 

• As always, staff, volunteers, and college interns will ensure a safe and positive experience.

• Please practice social distancing and face coverings are required.

NOTE: During spring and fall, the WDC may be closed in the morning as we accommodate visiting school groups.

The Wildlife Discovery Center is a living museum and biological station at historic Elawa Farm, situated alongside the Middlefork Savanna, a 670-acre wildlife habitat in Lake Forest. You will be captivated as you experience a close-up encounter with our crocodilians and other reptiles. Visit our raptors in their outdoor enclosures or in a flight session or watch our bobcat, Boris, as he explores his "natural" eco-habitat. The WDC is home to approximately 85 species of animals. During regular visiting hours, you can talk with our animal keepers and meet some of our amazing animals.

In addition to visiting our resident animals, you can enjoy a hike and nature observation on the adjacent Middlefork Trail, or visit the Elawa Farm Park where you can enjoy a picnic in the pavilion, play soccer in the field, or have fun in the huge playground.

Our exhibits and programs provide an experience that will kindle a lifetime bond with nature. At the WDC, there is something for everyone!

• Indoor and outdoor exhibits and an outdoor interpretive trail

• College student internships and graduate-level research opportunities

• Classes and summer camps for children ages 4 – 15. 

• After-school programs and tours for organized groups

• School field trips and scout badges

• Caretaker talks and feeding demonstrations and well as off-site talks and exhibits

• Opportunities for supervised interaction with select animals

• Nature-themed birthday parties for children

ADMISSION

• While there is no charge for individuals or groups of eight or fewer, donations are very much appreciated. 

• We rely on the help of our visitors and supporters to maintain the high quality care we provide for our animals. 

• We are currently not allowing groups of 8 or more to enter our trail or indoor exhibits without making a reservation. Please contact Rob Carmichael, Curator, at [email protected] for availability and costs. 

• All proceeds help provide for the care and feeding of our special animals.

SUPPORT THE WDC HERE

The post Come See Wildlife and Walk the Trails at the Wildlife Discovery Center appeared first on Kelmscott Park Apartments Blog.

Did you hear!?

Kelmscott Park Apartments is just 5 minutes away from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Northshore. With plenty of sand, sun, grass, and shade, this gorgeous Lake Michigan beach is hard to beat.

And guess what? It’s open!

We are excited to welcome the Kelmscott Park Apartments Community back to the beach for the 2021 season.

About the Beach

Visitors to the 29-acre Forest Park and Lake Forest Beach can enjoy the large beach and grass areas. The park is open year-round, and park amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.

Boating is allowed and permits can be purchased in person at the recreation center. Information for that can be found here.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are allowed and can be launched from cells 1 and 4. No motorized watercraft are allowed in these areas. Rental information can be found here.

Beer and wine are sold and consumed in designated areas seven days a week.

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.

A few reminders:

• The park is open 6:00 am – 11:00 pm daily.

• Proof of residency is required – driver’s license, school ID, Lake Forest water bill, or a Forest Park ID.

• Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 9:30 am – 7:00 pm.

• Parking:

  • North Lot: All vehicles are required to have a City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker. A City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker is also required for overflow parking.

  • South Lot: Additional permits are required and are available for purchase at the Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road.

• For information on water quality, please call the Forest Park Beach Hotline at (847) 234-6702 & press 8.

Please note: All city ordinances, policies, and procedures will be enforced.

With summer heating up and the outdoor life in full swing, it’s a great time to come check out the beach and enjoy the water.

Questions or comments? Drop us a line in the comments below!

The post The Lake Forest Beach and Park Is Open Again for 2021 appeared first on Kelmscott Park Apartments Blog.