Ballard Nature Center

Ballard Nature Center Ballard Nature offers hiking trails, kids' fishing pond, pavilions, & a visitor center with exhibits and bird feeding garden.

We offer programs throughout the year. Trails open daily from dawn until dusk. Interactive trail map link - https://jansengis.com/bnc/. Visitor center closed on Sun and Mon in winter.

Fun times in the Hoppy Frogs program.
06/19/2026

Fun times in the Hoppy Frogs program.

06/18/2026

Our frog program for tomorrow is now full. If you have registered and find that you will not be able to attend, please let us know. Thanks. Looking forward to having a hoppin' good time.šŸø

Have you walked a trail lately and thought, "Eww, who has been spitting on the plants?" It is actually the work of the ...
06/17/2026

Have you walked a trail lately and thought, "Eww, who has been spitting on the plants?" It is actually the work of the spittle bug, which is the nymph of an insect called the froghopper. The nymphs form this frothy mixture by pumping bubbles into fluid secreted while feeding on plants. They use this mixture to hide in and to keep them from drying out.

06/16/2026
A small pool of water in the woods is so important to several salamander and frog species. They need it for breeding and...
06/12/2026

A small pool of water in the woods is so important to several salamander and frog species. They need it for breeding and will not lay their eggs in larger bodies of water. Salamander larvae have external gills. See photo below- itā€™s the one on the right. The other guy is a tadpole.

06/11/2026

The stargazing šŸ’«night on Saturday has been cancelled. Over 80% cloud cover ā˜ is predicted. We have another one scheduled for Aug. 15.

Pond day is always a favorite summer camp.
06/11/2026

Pond day is always a favorite summer camp.

Meet our summer intern. Hello! My name is Ryker Koester and Iā€™m a senior at EIU. I am currently pursuing my bachelorā€™s i...
06/09/2026

Meet our summer intern.
Hello! My name is Ryker Koester and Iā€™m a senior at EIU. I am currently pursuing my bachelorā€™s in Environmental Biology with the hopes of finding a career in prairie conservation.

06/09/2026

We have 4 openings in the June 18 summer camp, Animal Engineers. For kids ages 9-12. Register online through our website.

Address

5253 E US Highway 40
Altamont, IL
62411

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

(618) 483-6856

Website

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