Activities and events for every age group occur year round at theNate. Content Creators impress their followers with the unique shots of art and nature at theNate; Outdoor and Fitness Enthusiasts enjoy walking, jogging and exploring the grass paths through 100 acres of open landscape; Art Lovers visit this important world-class collection often - always finding something new; Nature Experts of all ages celebrate the Illinois prairie restoration of the Butterfly Ranch, chronicling the abundant Illinois native plants, insects, birds and animals. Join us for one of our community events, or explore on your own using the free Otocast app on your smart phone.

2026 Calendar of Events at theNate

2026 Event Calendar 

 Downloadable PDF 

 SATURDAY, APRIL 25 International Sculpture Day

Self-guided tour using the FREE OtoCast app – Find it in your app store:

FREE

Take lots of pictures and post to Instagram and tag us: @_thenate_

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SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Summer Solstice 7 p.m. sunset at 8:28 p.m.

Guided tour with Director and Curator, Jeff Stevenson – focus on the

North Collection, classic favorites, visiting artists, and watching

the sun go down through the wings of “Phoenix”.

 

Fee $10

Registration link:

 

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FAMILY FUN NIGHTS: A WALK PLUS MAKE & TAKE PROJECTS

FAMILY NIGHT at theNate Thursday, June 25, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

with Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sherri Denault

Fee $15 – includes materials for hands-on project for all ages

Registration link:  

 

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FAMILY NIGHT at theNate Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

with Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sherri Denault

Fee $15 – includes materials for hands-on project for all ages 

Registration link:  

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 1p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

Guided tour with Director and Curator, Jeff Stevenson – focus on the

South Collection featuring visiting artists’ installations that connect

us to the Earth through themes found in classic favorites.

 

Fee $10

Registration link  

 

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Save-the-Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 for "The Prairie Party at theNate" 

Stay up-to-date on new events through our website and social media pages:

www.instagram.com/_thenate_

https://www.facebook.com/thenate.gsu