Nestled within the urban landscape of Palos Heights, Illinois, Lake Katherine Nature Center welcomes visitors to explore natural areas and beautifully landscaped gardens. There are more than a dozen gardens, including the popular Waterfall Garden, Anniversary Garden and Butterfly Garden. Our gardens showcase not only ornamentals, but also native species, heirloom vegetables and conifers. The restored prairie provides an ideal backdrop to our Heritage Garden. Alongside picturesque Lake Katherine is the arboretum, home to a wide variety of tree species. There are also several wooded paths for visitors to enjoy through the restored woodland and prairie areas and around the lake.