Nature Center

NATURE CENTER

Visit our Historic Nature Center

Open year-round, the Severson Dells Nature Center is housed in a converted deer lodge, situated on a 369-acre county forest preserve. It includes a library, bookstore, classroom, conference room, screened-in porch with stone hearth, and exhibit area. Numerous bird feeders attract a variety of species throughout the year. Our bird-viewing areas offer comfortable seating and are stocked with bird books and binoculars.

Finding Us


8786 Montague Road
Rockford, IL 61102

From Bypass 20 south of Rockford, take the Montague Road exit. Turn southwest on Montague Road and continue approximately four miles, past Meridian Road, past Weldon Road, then the second left. Click here for Google maps.


TRAIL MAP

Know Before You Go


Nature Center Hours:

Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Sunday CLOSED

The trails and The Grove Nature Playscape are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Free Admission, except for designated events

Dogs

Dogs, with the exception of service dogs, are not allowed at Severson Dells. Leashed dogs are welcome at all other Forest Preserves.


Accessibility

Do you love to be out in nature, but need accommodations to enjoy it? We would love to help. Golf Cart tours of our trails are seasonally available, with a 10 day notice to schedule a reservation. Call or email us to reserve your tour! We gratefully accept donations for this service.

Birding

Guests at Severson Dells Nature Center can enjoy the numerous birds that visit our world-class bird-feeders year-round. We offer binoculars, comfy armchairs in the library, bird identification guides, a bird spotting board, and a variety of benches for viewing. Novice and expert birders alike love to come to Severson Dells to check birds off their lists.

Adventure Packs

Stop into our nature center to check out our adventure packs filled with items to augment your time on the trails.

Shop Our Gift Shop

Our gift shop has a little something for nature lovers of all ages. Shop our selection of guide books, nature jewelry, cards, clothing, nature-themed toys and games and so much more!

Your headphones should always look amazing! Pick your preferred color.

Colorful

Birdwatching

Love to watch the birds? Grab a seat in one of our comfy chairs in our library to watch the birds at the feeders. We have binoculars, bird guides, and our bird board tells you birds have been spotted recently. 

Explore The Trails

Explore the forest, prairie, pond, creek and the dells!

The Grove Nature Playscape

Make Your Own Adventure

Rent Space

Make your meeting or special occasion unique by hosting it at Severson Dells. 

Share by: