Isle a la Cache Museum

"I loved it!!! not only is it a big spot where the Des Planes River streams thru but it also has a Isla cache Museum where u can learn how the "ISLE A LA CACHE" got its name it goes back to the 18th-century where French voyagers and Native Americans, would meet on the inland on the Des Planes river and place to "cache" (hide) goods for the North American fur trade, especially for beaver pelts, the Isle a la Cache Museum Focuses on the fur trade era, showcasing Native American and French-Canadian life with exhibits on canoes, wigwams, and furs. The Isle A La Cache also has trails for hiking, biking, skating, fishing access, and a canoe/kayak launch,tons of picnic areas, geocache locations, and seasonal winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible restrooms and parking."

"We absolutely love this nature center and their classes! The actual center has nature hands on play areas and beautiful outdoor grounds!"

"The Wife and I met a couple that We know here and really enjoyed Ourselves. Some interesting stuff that I didn't know about the area. Learned a lot and We plan on going back when the weather warms up to enjoy the outdoor stuff They offer."

"Though it’s relatively smaller in size, it portrays enough of the embedded history in this island. The exhibits are very educative with elaborate descriptions and the befitting displays. The exhibits are very thoughtfully laid out by beginning the start of the fur trade and followed by the periods of further developments. It’s educative for all ages. Take time to have a brief walk on the trail, starting from the museum, that takes to the waters and gives a glimpse of beaver carvings on the tree trunks. Huge covered pavilion gives space for family and group picnicking. Plenty of car parking spaces available at the site."

"We took my grandson here during his Spring break (March 2026). There was great interactive exhibits plus some items are clearly labeled as “do not touch”. This was very educational. My grandson’s favorites were dressing up in the period hats and costumes (there was a binder explaining the significance of the hats). And there were some puppets. I liked that there were two large windows to watch the birds. There was also a wall of books to read. They have a paved walking trail and a couple small ponds. The Des Plaines river is dissected in this spot and then comes together. It appears in the warmer months there are gardens. This was a worthwhile place to visit….for free. But seriously, put some money in the donation box."