Absolutely beautiful nature center and botanic garden. It's just feels so relaxing to take a walk through the trail, you just won't feel tired, in-fact you will just end up feeling very refreshed.

Came here to check out different walking trails and the one that wraps around the lake is absolutely stunning. There were birds everywhere, the flowers were in full blossom and I loved the waterfall when you first enter. Absolutely highly recommend stopping here if you’re a nature junkie like me.

I hiked at Lake Katherine this weekend. It's a Mile around the lake its beginner friendly and they have plenty benches for anyone that needs to sit/rest or take in the view along the trail. I am plus hiker so if your plus and want to start hiking. This is a nice short trail to start out. I really enjoyed the bodies of water in this hike. They had a lake, an active Channel and a small waterfall. The water fall on the hill made me feel like I went to a different state lol. I do recommend getting some snow cleats or spikes for your boots/shoes if you want to hike in winter when there is snow/ice on the ground. It was pretty icy but my friend made it without them on. The trail does seem to have houses around, so part of the trail is not all nature. Trail length: 1 mile Parking: Yes Dog friendly: Yes Bathrooms: Yes, only saw signs that they are in nature center but was close due to an event. Did not see any porta potties. So if you come here go bathroom before coming. Has designated picnic area: Yes Strict or relaxed?: Seems strict. Signs show No Grilling, parties, Picnics, fishing, feeding ducks, biking, or going in the water around the lake area. Sign says you can picnic in the designated picnic area only by the parking area. (see image) It’s Sara & Sarah on YouTube to see our hike.

Such a hidden gem if you don't know the area. Perfect for a nice walk with plenty of birds to watch and the fall colors make it even better. The quaint waterfall has always been a highlight. Bring a book for the free lending library box on the trail.

This spot along the Cal-Sag Trail is beautiful, relaxing, and educational. The Lake Katherine Trail has many plants, trees, and benches that have been dedicated to residents of the area who have passed on. The plants and trees are labeled to help nature lovers identify what kind they are. A White Oak, Northern Catalpa, and Norway Spruce are just three of the trees that one will find while walking along the winding trail. The winding trail follows Lake Katherine, which happens to be a manmade lake. A wide shallow waterfall feeds water to the artificial lake. Kayaking is permitted on the lake. If that is not your thing, you can sit on a lakeside bench and take in the relaxing sights and sounds of this beautiful suburban oasis.

Lake Katherine is beautiful all year long, and I love that the trails are dog friendly! Everyone picks up after their pets here. I'm grateful to have such a lovely nature trail so close to home, I want to visit here whenever the weather permits

Quiet getaway from the city. If you're looking for a break from the city life but don't want to drive far this is your place. Beautiful scenery, very easy walk and fun wildlife. Tons of fish on the lake, rabbits and multiple families of ducks. Nice waterfall, even if it is man-made.

Lots of interesting things to see here! The trail was covered with snow put definitely passable. Nothing unexpected for a hike in February.

Lake Katherine Nature Center is such a beautiful place to visit with kids,friends, and family. They have a picnic table, a butterfly garden, green areas for walk , and birds swimming in the lake. Etc. Go and visit the nature center for kids to learn more about the wildlife.

It’s so peaceful and beautiful here you can walk for miles around this water. The waterfall is small, but still beautiful. This is a great place for a picnic in the park with family or friends. Great place to walk and get your miles in. Great place to relax and watch the ducks/ swans. Plenty of benches to sit and relax and enjoy the views and the sounds of nature.

Lake Katherine is amazing. My wife and I take our son for walks over there. You can walk around and view nature. They have a monarch butterfly exhibit that's open in the spring/summer that kids will absolutely love. You can go canoeing in the lake and watch the swans which would be a perfect date with that special someone if you're into that kind of things also with amazing views of wildlife, wild plants, a community garden hidden away in the back that people plant and grow veggies and plants for the local pantry. They have a small book library you can borrow from but please take one, give one if you can. Lake Katherine has a great experience and I'm sure anyone would love it..

My fiance and I love this place. It's always a nice quiet and relaxing walk to decompress from the day. I like sitting by the waterfall and listening to the sounds of nature.

Beautiful area for a short walk. There is an easy to walk dirt path around the pond. There is also a paved trail of you want a longer walk.

Nice place with a great variety of views. A great relaxing place!

Took the time to drive to this Nature park to see a few things with my old dog. (It makes her day if she gets to go somewhere new) This is a beautiful place with lots of things to explore. I wasn't able to go into the buildings because of my dog, but I plan on going back someday when I can go into the buildings and explore the entire lake. They do rent water craft to paddle around but I didn't take the time to find out the cost. There is no swimming at the lake and they post signs everywhere to not feed the animals. You will also find benches everywhere here for sitting to rest and enjoy the scenery. There is NO cost to come and enjoy yourself here.

I haven't lived in Palos for 45 years and I haven't been back until I recently visited Lake Katherine. This is a beautiful nature area with waterfalls and lovely landscaping around the lake. I wish it existed in 1977. But glad Palos Heights developed this area.

Beautiful scenery, lots of walking pathways and very clean. My family and I enjoy coming here all year around and admire all the beauty of nature, seeing the animals and also reading the inscriptions on the benches and plaques by the trees.

Lake Katherine is a nice place to chill-out in a quiet place, take a walk or take some photos. The waterfall is man-made and if you don't look real hard you won't notice. There is a walking path around the lake which is just under a mile. My wife went there after her knee replacements to exercise her knees. Also, I have done quite a few photography jobs there so there's enough nature there to make the experience quite enjoyable. All in all it's a very nice, quiet place to visit.

Went to an event here and the staff were absolutely incredible. Very helpful. The site is so beautiful and filled with wildlife, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous flowers. Loved it!

Beautiful surroundings with a well maintained trail walk in nature along the lake. Can spend time with family, friends or hang out alone for a walk on summer mornings.

Nice hiking trails, wild creatures (ducks, swans, cranes) and butterflies. Flowers and gardens.

Always a nice time here. Love the waterfall and scenery. Hope they get the butterfly garden back to its glory.

I don't like it here they don't let u going fishing here an I like to going fishing so I will not be coming back here an I hope some day they will let people fishing here

First time visiting. Beautiful grouds, waterfalls, trails & lake. Today's special event was the Butterfly garden. So many butterflies. Well organized event. Great place to take pictures with family.

Lovely grounds. Lake is beautiful, botanical garden is amazing. I love the waterfall the most. And if you're lucky you'll see a family of swans sitting just next to the lake :)

I visit here about first September. The Chicago sky was cloudy but the temperature was excellent. Lake Katherine was extremely wonderful and attractive. I believe that there is a piece of paradise on earth 🌎.

We hosted an event at the clubhouse at Lake Katherine. The scenery was beautiful. All of our guests loved the setting and ambiance of the center. Lisa was a gracious host and really helped make our event special. Thank you! This place was truly a gem.

Cute lil man-made lake surrounded by townhouses that look like vacation homes but aren't. Nice waterfall for pics of the kids or events, but I was unable to go around the falls since it was booked up by a private party (wedding). It was a perfect short walk with a group of kids and new mom. Parking was easy even though it was crowded, but very few people were wearing masks.

It is such a great place to go and relax. There is no charge to enter. But donations are always welcome. Only thing you may have to pay for is if you like to go Kayaking. They also have events for kids. Ex. Fishing, gardening, and more.

Lake Katherines is a beautiful little slice of manicured nature tucked in to the south suburbs with nice easy dog and kid friendly paths not even rough with a stroller

I've worked and lived in the south loop for 10 years and I absolutely love my little circle of bustling streets, roaring El trains, delicious food, and outstanding public parks. During this pandemic I have especially missed spending afternoons here - there is always something new and beautiful to discover. While I am glad the iconic lions of the art institute did not suffer permanent damage from recent events, I am patiently hoping for an early return to normalcy. Please consider donating to this wonderful place; support the artists, curators, and staff who bring such light to Chicago!

Great place to relax and take a break from anything stressful. Unlike my other posts, don't bother to tell them Big Tim sent you, just enjoy the tranquility. 😉

I had a wonderful time. It was absolutely beautiful and very clean. It was nice going to a nature center that wasn't covered in garbage. A wonderful place to take photos and relax by the water. There's plenty of benches and even designated picnic tables.

Lake Katherine is beautiful wether for walking, drinking coffee, or taking pictures. The waterfall is soothing and it's amazing in all seasons.

When swallow cliff is super busy this is my go to place.. Fantastic place to go for a walk/jog. Definitely great for dates and picnics. I'd love to walk this path everyday. It's a mile all around and changes scenery every 1/4 mile. There is a lot of parking but it fills up quick on nice days.

Nice place to walk

Great place for a short walk. It's very pretty there.

Absolutely beautiful... This place is such a treat and so esthetically pleasing. Nature doing what nature does...❤️ The lake and waterfalls are peaceful and serene.

This place is a hidden gem. You could have a lovely stroll, run or just sitting down looking at the lovely view it offers. They also have kayak available.

Amazing place for all types of photo shoots, someone was even having a wedding, yes the weeding was outside but I didn’t take pics because it was a private event.

Great place for a walk or just to relax. You can also rent kayaks.

Wonderful place for a stroll, photoshoot, a hike since there are trails meant for more advanced hikers, wedding receptions in their facilities, ceremonies, picnics, and even play dates for the kids! Highly recommend this place year-round

This place is very beautiful and relaxing. Many people come here for photo shoots for special occasions. There's plenty of wildlife and scenic areas to sit and relax in.

Beautiful place to take pictures! Nature walk is so beautiful. However, a few of us noticed they were letting people in without mask to use the restroom but when it came to a different race, it was an issue although they had on a full covering. But life goes on!!

Beautiful scenic nature center with great walking path. Very friendly visitors with everyone greeting each other. The nature center has many activities for kids and provides washrooms for visitors using walking trails also. A jewel of the south suburbs and should not be missed

It is possible to rent kayaks, around and next to the lake there are many beautiful places to take family or occasional photos, well-maintained alleys, many benches around the lake, beautiful waterfall. Nice place for a date or an outdoor wedding.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lake Katherine Nature Center and I must say it exceeded all my expectations. This hidden gem offers a captivating blend of nature, education, and relaxation that truly makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts like myself. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the serenity of Lake Katherine, a stunning body of water surrounded by lush greenery. The walking trails provided the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in nature, with their well-maintained paths meandering through picturesque woodlands and prairie landscapes. The variety of flora and fauna I encountered along the way was simply enchanting. One highlight of my visit was exploring the interactive exhibits housed within the Nature Center building. They beautifully showcase the unique ecosystems found in the region, offering an engaging and informative experience. The center’s commitment to sustainable practices, such as renewable energy and eco-friendly construction, is also commendable and aligns with the principles they advocate. Lake Katherine Nature Center goes beyond being a mere park; it fosters a sense of community. The various events and workshops they organize throughout the year further encourage active participation and a deeper connection with nature. From birdwatching excursions to hands-on gardening workshops, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a place to learn, or an opportunity to reconnect with nature, Lake Katherine Nature Center is an exceptional destination. Its tranquil ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to environmental stewardship make it a true gem. I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable nature center to anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find solace in the beauty of the natural world. Note: This review is based on my personal experience and may vary for others, but I am confident that Lake Katherine Nature Center will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Beautiful place to take a walk. It is 1 mile around the lagoon. It is very clean, quiet, and peaceful. Perfect place to visit and have some time off with your family.

A cute loop around the lake with plenty of benches and little things to see. The lake was full of birds and the waterfall was beautiful. You can continue on to the Cal Sag Trail.

It was a gorgeous end of summer beginning of fall day. I went around 3pm so it wasn't too crowded with people so I enjoyed a nice walk today. The first in a long time. The "rush" started after work hours for most, but still not bad. I should have enjoyed the waterfalls when I first got there because by the time I finished my stroll around the lake, there were several people taking pictures. I couldn't enjoy just listening to water.

Very popular lots of walkers

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place (Original) Hermoso lugar

We love to go for walks when its nice out. the kids love the waterfall

Beautiful nature sanctuary close to home

Finally went around the entire lake because the boys are a little older and can handle longer distances. The path was soft for the joints, the waterfall was running and the wild life was entertaining.

Nice and peaceful Nature Center geese and other wild life

Such a beautiful place to enjoy nature walks. Fresh air, a nice body of water, picnic area. Nice venue for an intimate wedding/event. Then offer kayaking in the summer. Highly recommend

What a great place. Its a real gem tucked away. We took a walk just around the lake. Its about a mile or so. Nature, exercise and beautiful scenery. For information: the public restrooms were closed due to a Wedding ceremony. Just so you are aware. Its a great place to teach young children about nature. Areas have posted signs about the vegetation and plenty of memorial beaches for a rest if need. Highly recommend 👌

I have been going here for years. I do most of my water Photography year round here, and I also sit and draw here in the summer/spring months. Its beautiful and my aunt even had her wedding vows renewed here! It's the one place that I can get away from all the busy town/city stuff and because of its location being tucked into a spot that is shielded from traffic it usually is absolutely silent besides the noise from nature around you. I love this place and will keep going here for many more years since I'm sure my broke family will never be able to get us out of this hell hole called Oak Lawn not too far from this location. Anyway, thats what I love about Lake Katherine, it's a place I can escape to.

For a retention lake surrounded by mansions, this is just amazing. They built a nice trail around the lake and planted native trees and plants consistent with the original conditions. Now the trees are grown, the one mile walk becomes very pleasant. There are lots of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. On top of that there are art installations along the trail. I find the whole landscaping of the place outstanding. Because of COVID we could not visit the nature center. However the trail itself has ample opportunities for learning. Plants are well labelled. There are exhibits along the trail to explain the ecology of the place. Near the nature center there is also a beautiful waterfall which should not be missed.

Beautiful place

Clean beautifu lake , great for walking and biking and taken pictures. It’s so close to my home I love to go there by the lake and sit or walk around the lake , I love the waterfall too . they always do some events from time to time . And great place for wedding too .

I brought my puppy there to walk him, the mulched trail is a muddy mess, the Cal Sag Trail is full of fecal matter that obviously the dog owners don't want to clean up. Human beings need to learn to clean up after their dogs. I have enjoyed Lake Katherine many days with the exception of today, it definitely needs a good cleaning.

Such a beautiful oasis in Palos Heights! Very accessible and easy trail around the lake, about a 1 mile loop. It's not paved, so it's not ideal for bikes (we tried and failed!), but it seems okay for strollers with thicker wheels that are meant for rougher terrain (be ready for a bumpy ride!). The trail is covered with dirt/wooden chips, and there are some unexpected roots that have wandered on the path, so you just have to be on the lookout (my 5 year old did a face plant). The Cal Sag trail is a paved bike trail that runs through the area, so that would be a better choice for biking (not the wood chip trail). The waterfall is absolutely beautiful and surprisingly robust! Great to dip your feet in on a hot day, and you can also sign up for a guided waterfall tour and wade in the water! The wildlife is very familiar with people, and may get very close. It does get crowded, so make sure to bring your mask. Thankfully, most people are wearing them here.

A great place for a nice long walk in nature. It's really pretty in the fall time, with red leaves and berries everywhere

Nice little place to walk thru while on the adjacent bike path.

Nice park, fresh air

Enjoy nature for free at a beautiful relaxing place, lake Katherine is a quiet and clean and full of natural views birds and flowers, lake is the centerpeice.

Majestic place. I come here to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Thank You!

Beautiful nature center and they frequently have lots of activities there for family fun.

We really love it. If the restrooms were open it would have been 5 stars

Nature! Cool waterfall. : - )

Beautiful place love it

beautiful place

Wonderful place to hike and View the beauty of nature. Pleasant and well-kept area. A Hidden Gem in the Southwest suburbs!

Beautiful scenery. Took some pictures and they turned out amazingly!

Beautiful place this was our first time going here and absolutely serene. Love the waterfalls. Definitely recommend to visit. Relaxing to walk the trail.

Beautiful area!! Always so peaceful! Perfect location for photos no matter the season!

Great views great place

The most peaceful place...

Very nice looking place good place to go on a date or with the family it is free with parking although limited

A really nice, secluded pond area open to the public, hidden from the main thoroughfare. Complete with bridges and waterfalls and waterfowl - including swans! Took the kids for a walk - needed to burn off all the Christmas cookies - and had fun watching them climb on an oversized adirondack chair, hang out in a giant nut sculpture - like nuts and bolts - and plenty of big rocks to jump on and off. There is also a playground. Not many people to contend with, perfect for the Covid era. A wonderful spot to spend a few hours.

Great place for taking pictures.

Great path really nice place will really enjoy in summer.

Beautiful place to just take a walk / run, or relax and be at peace with nature.

Beautiful trails, geese, ducks and swans visible in the Lake.

Beautiful, quiet and very relaxing nature center.

Short walk around lake with many interests.

My Favorite park in the area, always clean.

Slippery,carefully ya 'll

You wouldn't expect to find such a lovely natural spot so close to urban Palos Heights, but there it is. In addition to the lake itself, there are many nice views of the adjacent Cal-Sag channel.

Love it