The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

A Renowned Sculpture Park in the Midwest

About theNate

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is a collection of 30 master works of large-scale sculpture situated within 100 acres of prairie landscape. This “museum-in-the-prairie” is open for public viewing 365 days a year and is free of charge. The Park provides programs for adults and children that integrate art and nature. Although it is located on the campus of Governors State University, it was founded and is maintained through grants and donations from businesses and individuals.

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Read about the history of The Nathan Manilow Park

Visit one of the premiere outdoor sculpture park

Visit theNate

At Governors State University theNate is open dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. Parking and admission to the park are free. The views surrounding our sculptures change with the seasons so it’s always a good time to visit. Whether you’re from across the street or across the country, a visit to theNate will reward you with insights into distinguished artworks by internationally recognized sculptors within a scenic prairie landscape.

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Click Here to Download theNate Map

School Tours: Outdoors@theNATE

Outdoors@theNATE is a unique, outdoors, hands-on, customizable program. Our tours are thorough and age-appropriate. We can accommodate school groups from Grades 4 to 12. Tours may be designed to a variety of time-frames and abilities - please contact park staff to discuss your particular needs.

Outdoors@theNate is a customizable, action packed experience that has received rave reviews from teachers and students alike:

Outdoors@theNATE is a hands-on, interactive program designed to build awareness of visual thinking, address elements of the Common Core Curriculum, help satisfy aspects of the ISBE Standards and Goals, present artworks as part of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTS, and Math) principles.

The fee for Outdoors@theNATE is $10 per student and $5 per adult teacher or chaperone. This fee includes the Nate-book and all materials. It does NOT include lunch or transportation.

Outdoors@theNATE is offered by appointment so contact Sherri to schedule your class visit:

Education and Outreach Coordinator:
Sherri Denault
sdenault@govst.edu
708-534-4021

Thank you so much for hosting us today! We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was not only very well organized, but also incredibly educational and relatable to our students. It is amazing when students can connect what they are doing in the classroom with the outside world. Thank you for a wonderful field trip today!

4th Grade Teacher, Flossmoor

Giant lumberjack statue with a group of diverse children raising their hands in a grassy field.

Your school field trip expenses might be paid through a generous grant from EarthRise. Click below to apply:

Outdoors@theNate School Tour Grant Application

Education and Outreach Coordinator:

Sherri Denault
Company Name
708-534-4021
sdenault@govst.edu

General Tour Groups

Contact: Jeff Stevenson, Director and Curator, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Visual Arts Gallery
jstevenson@govst.edu (best contact method)
708.534.4021

Fees for guided tours: $10 per person. There is a $100 minimum charge for a guided tour, which is met with 10 people; $10 for each additional person.

Attire: Please dress appropriately for the season. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy, walking shoes as extensive walking on uneven grass paths is required.

Facilities: GSU buildings :

Monday–Friday, 6 am–10:30 pm
Saturday*: 7:30 am–6 pm
Sunday**: Noon–9 pm

GSU cafeteria: hours change each semester and season, generally closed on weekends

Time Required: Tours can be customized with the most popular tour lasting about an hour to an hour and a half.

Customize your tour: we can provide additional services such as powerpoint presentations, other activities, etc. - let us know what your group would enjoy.

Area Accommodations: Consider staying overnight in the region to enjoy the best the Southland has to offer.

Group of children and adults viewing a large black industrial sculpture outdoors.

Contact theNate

Jeff Stevenson
Director and Curator, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Visual Arts Gallery
708-534-4021
jstevenson@govst.edu

Visitor Guidelines for Your Visit to theNate

Please follow these guidelines to make your visit to the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park even more enjoyable.

Pets are welcome and must be leashed at all times.
Parking is free, please park only in designated areas.
Do not climb on the sculptures - they are not playground structures. They are works of art, just as you would find in an indoor art museum, and are subject to the same issues of deterioration - and they endure the vagaries of our harsh climate. Many of the works have already spent nearly half a century outdoors and are quite fragile.
Please be gentle with our art.
We want every visitor to be able to enjoy the same views you have experienced. Please do not pick our flowers or grasses. Recycle and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles located near the buildings.
Picnic tables are available from May through October on a patio overlooking the lake near the university's D-Wing
Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the park.

EMERGENCY: In case of emergency, Dial 911 and tell the operator you are located in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University.

Directions to theNate

From Chicago and North

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park can be reached from Chicago by taking the
Dan Ryan Expressway (90-94) south to Interstate 57.
Continue Interstate 57 south to exit 337 – Stuenkel Rd/University Parkway
Travel east at the end of the ramp.
Continue on Stuenkel Rd./University Parkway.
The entrance to the campus is on the right after you cross railroad tracks, about 2.1 miles from the I-57 intersection.

From the South

Drive north on Interstate 57 to exit 337 – Stuenkel Rd/University Parkway
Travel east at the end of the ramp.
Continue on Stuenkel Rd./University Parkway.
The entrance to the campus is on the right after you cross railroad tracks, about 2.1 miles from the I-57 intersection.

From the East

Drive Interstate 80 West to Interstate 57. Take the exit to southbound Interstate 57.
Continue Interstate 57 south to exit 337 – Stuenkel Rd/University Parkway
Travel east at the end of the ramp.
Continue on Stuenkel Rd./University Parkway.
The entrance to the campus is on the right after you cross railroad tracks, about 2.1 miles from the I-57 intersection.

From the West

Drive Interstate 80 East to Interstate 57. Take the exit to southbound Interstate 57.
Continue Interstate 57 south to exit 337 – Stuenkel Rd/University Parkway
Travel east at the end of the ramp.
Continue on Stuenkel Rd./University Parkway.
The entrance to the campus is on the right after you cross railroad tracks, about 2.1 miles from the I-57 intersection.

Download Our App

Now you can visit us anytime from anywhere on the globe! Download our FREE mobile guide to the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park by searching for Otocast.com on either Apple or Android devices. Once you've added it to your device you'll be able to find real-time directions to the park and directions to your favorite artworks once you've arrived. There is text, a photo gallery, and even recorded messages from many of the artists included in the collection. Download your FREE guide to the park today!

Download our FREE mobile guide

Our Esteemed Collections

theNate Collections

theNate Programs and Events

2026 Event Calendar

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.

Download the 2026 Season Events Calendar

A Seat at the Table Lunches

May 19, June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25

Summer Solstice

Saturday, June 20 • 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

Picnickers at A Seat at the Table Lunches event

Open Studio

Terry Karpowicz Studio
Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

KARPOWICZ STUDIO
700 West 41st Street
Chicago, IL 60609

Please join us for a rare opportunity to experience the expansive working studio of Chicago artist Terry Karpowicz. A wide range of artwork will be on view, spanning multiple series and offering insight into the evolution of Karpowicz’s practice. Highlights include maquettes for Stargazing with Contrails, installed at theNate in 2021, as well as works related to Art Ark, acquired by theNate in 1983. Register for free!

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

Save-the-Date: "The Prairie Party at theNate"

Saturday, September 12, 2026 for

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

Support theNate

Your donation to theNate General Fund keeps theNate open and free to the public 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Gifts to theNate General Fund support all the work we do under theNate’s three mission pillars: Art, Conservation (of the art and land) and Education.

Art is inspiring on its own, but when you add the backdrop of the native prairie, you have a very special place. It beckons to the art enthusiast, the nature lover, the runner, the student, the dreamer ... theNate is accessible to everyone, every day, at no cost—and it is more than meets the eye. As a world-class collection of more than 30 masterworks of large-scale sculpture on 100 acres of prairie landscape, theNate inspires.

Find out how theNate inspires and support

Graphic cover: Bright yellow abstract sculptures in a sunny park with people with the title theNate Inspires

Ways to Support theNate

The Lewis Manilow Common Ground Initiative

The Lewis Manilow Common Ground Initiative serves as a dedicated program and fund of the park aimed at bringing local communities together through arts education. The initiative provides support materials for area school teachers and classrooms and other resources to create a tradition for regular visits to theNate.

What if monumental, abstract, outdoor sculpture turns out to be the very thing we’ve been looking for to change the world for the better?

Here at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, we believe that the confounding nature of abstract art offers us equal opportunity for curiosity, and provides a level playing field because of its mysteries.

To honor our founder, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of theNate and Governors State University in 2019, The Lewis Manilow Common Ground Initiative was established. Since then our school and community outreach has continued to present dynamic programming with an eye toward social justice.Read more about it, how you can get involved, and to donate by clicking here.

Donation Questions:
Email us at engage@govst.edu or Call us at +1.708.235.7510

Donate to the Common Ground Initiative

Heritage Society for theNate

Did you know that through planned gifts, you can provide for loved ones, receive tax benefits, generate potential retirement income and help theNate all at the same time? Bequests to Governors State University Foundation are exempt from estate taxes as allowed by law. Join the growing number who are planning their gifts and estates to benefit themselves, their families and the future of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU.

Planning your support is easier than you think. GSU’s many giving options allow you to plan today for theNate’s tomorrow. Whether you want to donate today, or provide something down the road, we can help you provide for your family and support GSU and theNate. Please contact the Foundation office at +1.708.235.7510.

Our Current Needs:

$150,000 – Mary Miss – Field Rotation.
URGENT NEED
Excavate and repair retaining walls, replace wood walkways, paint metal elements.
$50,000 – Martin Puryear – Bodark Arc.
New excavated path – conserve the piece to maintain the artist’s vision.
$25,000 – Christine Tarkowski – Working on the Failed Utopia.
URGENT NEED
Disassemble, transport to shop, grind off old gelcoat, reapply new gelcoat, transport to site and reassemble.
$8,000 – Dan Yarbrough – Sisyphus Aviary.
Paint & transportation to & from painting facilities.
$7,500 – Butte – Barry Tinsley -Painted.
URGENT NEED
Paint & transportation to & from painting facilities.
$5,000 – Richard Rezac – Frame.
Add protective coping/flashing.
$5,000 – 5 Bronze sculptures, every 2-3 years, next cycle is 2025
Untitled – Abbott Pattison
Lanieff Demeure No. 4 - Henri Etienne-Martin
Untitled – Joel Schapiro
The Thrown of Martin Purer’s Bodarc Arc
Sound of the Woods – Neil Goodman

Donation Questions:
Email us at engage@govst.edu or Call us at +1.708.235.7510

Donate to theNate Art Conservation Fund

I'm a Friend of Nate!

Membership is free for you and essential to us.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is committed to serving our community with free access to this powerful collection of sculpture masterworks. Although it is located on the campus of Governors State University, it is maintained through grants and donations from businesses and individuals.

Grants, sponsors and donors require us to report numbers of visitors and community members served, and with our free and open access, that is difficult to do! Your membership gives us the ability to more accurately show our numbers in our fundraising efforts, and it gives you more access to information about our programming and events.

Members enjoy:

Free parking on campus, well maintained trails for outdoor fitness activities, a stimulating dog friendly destination, and our newsletters, emails and announcements about our growth - join us by saying "I'm a Friend of Nate!"

Sign up now!

Education and Outreach Coordinator:
Sherri Denault
sdenault@govst.edu

Contribute

Support from individuals, corporations and local villages is increasing yearly. Your tax-deductible donation in any amount will assist the theNate in its mission:

Art - host the Solo Exhibition Series, and acquire new work.

Conservation - maintain, conserve, restore the masterworks in the collection; native habitat restoration through the Bill Dodd Memorial Fund which was instrumental in our Butterfly Ranch project now underway!

Education - present events, activities and exhibitions, welcome school children to our STEAM based programming.

It's easy to join us in our mission:

Donate ONLINE

Call: Lauren Healy, Cultural Development Officer 708-534-8390

Make checks to: NMSP - GSU Foundation

and mail to:

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484

Governors State University Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Thank you for your contribution. You are making a positive difference through the arts for GovStateand the region we serve.

Donate ONLINE

Volunteer

Join us as a Volunteer

Find out more by contacting Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sherri Denault by email sdenault@govst.edu or phone 708-534-4021

Volunteering at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is both productive and personally rewarding. We need assistance with mounting programs, events and activities, especially during our visitation season of May through October. We utilize student volunteers to help with our annual fundraiser, community volunteers to assist with our Outdoors@theNATE school program, and Docent volunteers to assist with tours in the park - or let us know what you would like to do - join us!

Education and Outreach Coordinator:

Sherri Denault
sdenault@govst.edu
708-534-4021

News from theNate

Catch up on the latest happenings at Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park through the newest edition of “News from theNate,” featuring updates on exhibitions, conservation efforts, educational programs, and community events happening across the nationally recognized museum-in-the-prairie at Governors State University. Readers can explore highlights from Sculpture, Wine & Dine: The Prairie Party, learn about the restoration of Mary Miss’ Field Rotation, discover opportunities for school tours and public programming, and see how theNate continues expanding access to art, nature, and education for visitors of all ages.

Read the full issue here: News from theNate

Contact theNate

TheNate Mission Vision & Values

Mission

The three pillars of our mission are: Art, Conservation, and Education.

The Park has put the Southland on the map culturally through curating forward-thinking exhibitions.

It is one of the few outdoor sanctuaries in the south suburbs of Chicago where the natural landscape is strikingly beautiful throughout all four seasons. As such, one of our core values is to conserve and expand the natural prairieland. Prairie Restorers join humanist and scholar Bill Dodd in his mission to leave the landscape better than we found it. Donations augment the Bill Dodd Memorial Fund and are allocated towards this conservation ethic.

The Park also serves as a living laboratory for area school children teaching popular S.T.E.M. (Sience, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles through the artwork, in our Outdoors@the NATE program. S.T.E.M. becomes STEAM with the infusion of ART. This program opens young minds to new opportunities and ways of thinking through critical thinking, investigation, play and exploration.

We've also recently upgraded our visitor experience with the help of automation app partner Otocast, creating a real-time guide to the park, a map of the entire collection, additional photos and information, and with recorded commentary by many of the artists.

Not all contributions are financial. Docents give of their time to serve our community and students in leading educational tours and themed explorations of the Park.

Vision

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is recognized globally for its collection of large-scale public art. Our museum-in-the-prairie expands the cultural horizons of our visitors with innovative exhibitions, programs, and integrated arts and nature experiences.

Values

Excellence	We shall perform to the highest standards.
Integrity	We shall act in accordance with our beliefs.
Commitment	We shall give generously of our time and experience.
Stewardship	We believe that Art and Nature are vital resources to be conserved and made available to all.
Education	We believe learning is a lifelong journey and will honor the commitment of Governors State University and our Founders to Art and Education.
Innovation	We believe creativity enhances Education and will support and promote the union of Art, Nature, and University Life.