Severson Dells Nature Center

Severson Dells is 369-acres of woodland, stream and dolomite cliffs. Severson Dells offers three miles of hiking trails and 2/3 of 1 mile of paved trail for handicap-accessible exploration. Severson Dells is an ideal place to experience the beauty and serenity of restored prairie and woodland and the diverse birds and wildlife they support. You won’t want to miss the clear-running Hall Creek meandering through the shadows of the dramatic limestone cliffs which give the preserve its name.

While you are there, don’t miss The Grove, a nature playscape that provides children with many opportunities to explore, climb, build and create. Local artists and sculptors constructed this innovative space to foster creative expression and outdoor exploration. Nestled among the trees, The Grove is built primarily of natural materials that provide children with free play opportunities to climb, build, hide, perform and make music. The Grove is the only public recreational facility of its kind in the Rockford area.

This preserve is home to the Severson Dells Nature Center which provides many educational programs and events for students and families. Interactive programs are offered weekly to people of all ages and interests. The Nature Center contains nature exhibits, library, and bookstore for the general public. Hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The professional environmental education staff at Severson Dells also provides school field trips at the nature center and in-school programs on a wide variety of natural science topics.

Click here for a trail map