Discover Your Place in Nature

Come and explore Severson Dells, with our hiking trails, visitor center, The Grove Nature Playscape and gift store. We offer a wide range of engaging programs for all ages to connect with nature.

Featured Programs

Discover a Sense of Belonging

Everyone belongs in nature. Join us as a member and discover a sense of community with other nature lovers and the wild world itself! Your membership helps to make nature education more accessible to everyone now and for future generations. Click below to learn more about the benefits of joining as a member of Severson Dells. 

BECOME A MEMBER

Field Notes Blog

By education3.americorps October 17, 2025
The Newest Education AmeriCorps
By education2.americorps October 17, 2025
Hello! My name is Olivia and I am one of the new Americorp Environmental Education Members. I am so excited to get to spend the year in Severson’s beautiful prairie and forest ecosystems. Growing up along the Kansas and Missouri stateline, the hilly forests of Missouri and the rolling prairies of Kansas were never too far away–so I am happy to be here! I have spent the last seven years living in dense, urban environments–six years in Chicago where I went to North Park University and worked for two years, and one year in Madrid, Spain where I assistant taught English last year. Although I love and have a passion for integrating natural areas with the built environments of cities, I feel so honored to get to spend time in and to know such a large and beloved pocket of thriving ecosystems here at Severson! I have a deep love for nature, and am so excited to support the community members who visit Severson Dells as they connect with the unique plants, wildlife, and landscapes found on this land. Outside of my time at the nature center, I love to read, run, and travel, and next year will begin a Masters of Architecture program. I am always down to chat about those things and also to receive any recommendations for places to visit in the Rockford area. Looking forward to meeting you!
By education2.americorps October 16, 2025
Learn about nocturnal animals found at severson!

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Severson Dells Nature Center and Preserve are located on the traditional lands of the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), Meskwaki, Winnebago (Nebraska) and Potawatomi.  We recognize these people, among others, for their stewardship of this land.


To learn more about territory acknowledgments and to find out more about the land you are on, visit:
Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land. Please contact us if you have additional information or suggestions.