7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
For current hours, visit our Visitor’s Guide page.
Visit Bernheim
Summer Guide
The official Summer Guide to Bernheim is your invitation to wander into the wild.
Summer adventures are sure to be wild and wondrous at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum! Every corner is buzzing with activity (and pollinators!), waiting to be explored. Discover seasonal programs, nocturnal events, and unexpected moments that invite you to climb, roam, splash, and experience the Forest at its most alive.
Free Play & Exploration
Playcosystem
Climb it, splash through it, hide inside it, build with it. Playcosystem is where summer adventures run wild. This 17-acre natural playground invites kids to dig in the mud, balance on logs, race down hills, build forts, swing high, and dream up games all their own. Every visit looks a little different, and that’s exactly the point.
Arboretum Adventures
Explore Seasonal Blooms
Summer blooms attract a dazzling array of butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other wildlife throughout Bernheim’s garden beds and wild spaces. Explore colorful displays of native wildflowers, thriving prairie habitats, and cultivated gardens filled with seasonal favorites. Check our phenology guide to discover what’s blooming and where to find it.
Celebrate the Season in the Forest
Bernheim Summer Events
An experience of discovery
Landscape + Art + Nature + Design
Art, nature, and design come together through immersive experiences that inspire curiosity, reflection, and exploration. Located throughout Bernheim’s woodlands, meadows, and open landscapes, L+A+N+D invites visitors to discover the unexpected at every turn. This summer, a new installation expands the experience, adding another opportunity to connect with the landscape in a meaningful way.
From the Edible Garden
See What's Growing
Stroll through our one-of-a-kind 2.4-acre Edible Garden, where herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are thriving all summer long. Explore what’s growing this season and learn more about the garden’s design, purpose, and harvests.
Trail Adventures
Hike Through the Wild
With more than 40 miles of trails, Bernheim offers a wide range of ways to experience the landscape in summer. Hike through shaded forests, open prairie, and rolling hills shaped by valleys and ridges. From short scenic walks to challenging backcountry routes, every trail reveals a different side of the land.
Learn, Wander, and Discover with Our Experts
Summer Programs & Experiences
Plan Your Visit
Admission:
Free. $15 suggested admission per vehicle for non-members.
Bringing a group? Bus fee: $100
Seasonal Hours:
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