Groups at Gibson Woods

Walking bridge

Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center offers group programs for all ages. The Center has a classroom for presentations, a hands-on exhibit area with live animals, and a bird observation room. Three miles of trails along an ancient dune and swale landscape highlight the natural beauty of the nature preserve. Programs are adjusted to suit the age, experience, and grade curriculum of individual groups. All programs are mostly outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Registration is required at least 10 days in advance. For program content information or to make a reservation, please call Gibson Woods Nature Preserve at 219-844-3188.

Into the Woods

All ages

Available year round

Fee: $2 per person

Tour Length

  • Ages 3 -K Tours : Approx. 1 hour
  • All other grades: Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours

Group Size:  Min. 10     Max. 45

Explore Gibson Woods, a state-dedicated nature preserve, through a sensory-based journey to learn about the unique history, geology and wildlife of the Preserve.

Wonders of Wetlands Workshop

Grades 2 and up

Available: April-June, October

Fee: $4 per person

Program Length: 1.5-2 hours

Group Size:  Min.  10 Max. 45

Dive into an exploration of wetland habitats of the Preserve. Through water quality testing and macroinvertebrate sampling, students will discover the true wonders of water and aquatic biodiversity  and our connection to water here in the Lake Michigan ecosystem.

Create a Group Visit


Not seeing the perfect trip for your group? Custom guided experiences can take place at Gibson Woods, Grand Kankakee Marsh, Lake Etta, Lemon Lake, Oak Ridge Prairie, Stoney Run, or Three Rivers. We can cover of variety of topics including biodiversity, birds, life cycles, habitats, ecology, plants, history, movement, and more. Fees vary based on season and topic.


for custom visits

Email info@lakecountyparks.com to be matched with a programming specialist. Please include if you have a park or topic preference, the age/grade of your group, and when you'd like to visit.