- What is Touch of Nature?
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center is a facility dedicated to providing immersive outdoor education experiences. We offer a range of programs including environmental education, team building, community events, and summer camps, all designed to create positive outdoor experiences.
- How Do I Book an event at Touch of Nature?
To book an event, please fill out our
program inquiry form. Please be thorough in your answers as the more information we have, the sooner we can begin the booking process. Some details to think about are the event date(s), lodging needs, meal needs, arrival/departure times, estimated headcount, etc.
- How much does it cost?
Costs are based on the specifics of the camp, festival, or program. Factors that affect cost are food, lodging, programming, etc.
- What are the driving directions?
The easiest way to get to Touch of Nature is to plug our address into your GPS navigation.
GPS Address: 1206 Touch of Nature Road, Makanda, IL 62958
From the north:
Take Interstate 57 South to the Route 13 exit (Carbondale - Exit #54B), turn west (right) onto Route 13 toward Carbondale, go approximately 15 miles. Look for Wal-Mart on your right once you enter Carbondale. Turn left (south) at this light, Giant City Road. Continue 8 miles south on Giant City Road. Touch of Nature Road will be on your left (east). Turn left and continue straight on Touch of Nature Road. Administration building is the first left.
From the south:
Follow I-24 to I-57 North, or stay on I-57, to the Route 148 exit (Exit #45), head northwest on 148 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left on Grassy Road. There is a convenience store on this corner. Follow Grassy Road for about 7 miles. Stay left when you come to a Y. Continue southwest on Grassy Road. Grassy Road will come to a T at Giant City Road. Turn south (left) on Giant City Road. Continue on Giant City Road approximately 1 mile. Touch of Nature Road will be on your left. Turn left and continue straight on Touch of Nature Road. Administration building is the first left.
From the east:
Head west on I-70 or, if you are further south, take I-64 to I-57 South. Continue approximately 50 miles south from I-64 to the Route 13 exit (Marion - Exit #54B), head west on Route 13 toward Carbondale, go approximately 15 miles. Look for Wal-Mart on your right once you enter Carbondale. Turn left (south) at this light, Giant City Road. Continue 8 miles south on Giant City Road. Touch of Nature Road will be on your left (east). Turn left and continue straight on Touch of Nature Road. Administration building is the first left.
From the west:
Head east on I-64 approximately 50 miles from St. Louis. Take the Route 127 (Nashville) exit south. Continue south for approximately 50 miles to Murphysboro. At Murphysboro, go left (east) for approximately 10 miles. You will pass through the town of Carbondale. Watch for the mall on your right. When you see Wal-Mart on your left, this is your light. Turn right (south) at this light, Giant City Road. Continue 8 miles south on Giant City Road. Touch of Nature Road will be on your left (east). Turn left and continue straight on Touch of Nature Road. Administration building is the first left.
- Are parking passes required for Touch of Nature trails?
No! At this time, parking at the Touch of Nature trailhead is free and does not require a parking pass.
- Will I have cell phone service at Touch of Nature?
Customers of Verizon and AT&T are most likely to receive cell service during their stay. Customers of Sprint, T-Mobile and other cell providers may not receive service or experience interrupted signal during their stay.
- How do I register for a camp?
You can register for our camps online through our website or by calling our office. Registration typically opens several months before the camp start date, so we recommend registering early to secure your spot.
- what should i bring to camp?
Campers should bring weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.
