theNate Programs and Events

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.

2025 Calendar of Events at theNate

A Seat at The Table

Every other Tuesday through the season:

 NMSP_A SeatattheTable_Lunch flyer_banner

 weather permitting, no registration required, bring-your-own LUNCH 

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NMSP_Slate SWD graphic_CH_0725 

The 2025 Host Committee and the
Advisory Board for theNate invite you to
Sculpture, Wine & Dine: The Prairie Party
The art, the land, the future, theNate
 

Saturday, September 13, 2025
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
Park in East Lot 3, F Entrance

4:00 p.m.
Guests arrive  
Guided tours by golf cart  
Self-guided walking tours  
with our free app “Otocast”

5:00 p.m.
Cocktail Hour, open bar at  
“Field Rotation”, by Mary Miss

6:00 p.m.
Welcome: Mary Miss

6:30 p.m.
DrewBBQ buffet dinner, open bar,  
at “Running Table”, by Dan Peterman

Program: Our Story and Mission
Exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery: “Ground Beneath Our Feet”, a survey of earthworks made by Mary Miss around the time of “Field Rotation”, 1981. Celebrate the number one sculpture park in the nation by  joining the Advisory Board and Host Committee for this elevated experience. “Field Rotation” was restored in 2024 because of the foresight of our founder Lewis Manilow, and the support of trailblazing advocates like you. Come marvel at this monumental land art masterpiece in all its glory – and meet the artist!

$250 per person, vegetarian and vegan options available

RSVP by August 30, 2025  

Purchase Tickets

For Sponsorship and Ticket Information contact: 
Lauren Healy
lesolato@govst.edu
708.534.8390

Wear shoes for walking on grass paths and layers of clothing to adjust for the weather. Attire: Prairie Party (colorful, comfortable, floral, fun)

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is a collection of 34 master works of large-scale sculpture situated within 100 acres of prairie landscape. The Park provides programs for adults and children, with a focus on integrating art and nature.

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 Instagram @_thenate_

 Facebook @thenate.gsu 

Ongoing:

Check out our Young Artist Sculpture Projects downloadable PDF - and by young we mean: we're all young at heart when it comes to making art - have fun on your own or with the kids. Post pictures of your results and tag us on Instagram so we can all share the results!

 #thenate  

#thenatechallenge

@_thenate_ 

And on Facebook: @thenate.gsu 

https://www.facebook.com/nathan.manilow.sculpture.park/

Thank you for planning a visit to theNate! Free admission, free parking, open dawn to dusk 365 days a year. 

Most events are free and open to the public, parking free, and the Metra Electric Line connects us to Millennium Park Station in Chicago. 

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

www.instagram.com/_thenate_

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