The Chicago Department of Environment's North Park Village Nature Center is located on the northwest side of Chicago and includes a forty-six acre nature preserve and educational facility. The Nature Center and preserve are situated within the North Park Village complex, a cluster of buildings located on approximately 155 acres of land. The mission of the Chicago Department of Environment's North Park Village Nature Center is to provide urban citizens with an opportunity to interact with wildlife, plants and other natural resources through environmental education and access to improved natural landscapes.

The nature preserve offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie and savanna. A discovery room, a hands-on table of natural objects, and interactive displays are highlights of the Nature Center. There are public programs for preschoolers, school age children, families and adults.