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03:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Downers Grove Museum
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Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas
LYMAN WOODS APIARY
Lyman Woods is home to an educational bee apiary and offers a range of beekeeping courses. Honey from Lyman Woods apiary will be available for sale in the fall on a first come first served basis. As well as an educational resource, honey bees are also an essential part of food production - bees are responsible for pollinating about one-third of our food that sustains us.
In 2017, a generous sponsorship from Alter Brewing Company provided the funds for Lyman Woods to install five additional hives to produce honey for an exclusive local beer.
Lyman Woods does not collect bee swarms. For bee swarms/removal, please contact the Cook-DuPage Beekeepers Association.
Bee, Beekeeping & Honey Programs
- To book a private beekeeping program, please email lymanwoods@dgparks.org or call 630-960-2069
- For public programs, please visit dgparks.org to register.
Private Group Bee/Beekeeping Programs
Book a private program for your small group, scout troop, school, daycare or family! Pick from one of our popular bee programs, or customize your program to your own interests and goals. Programs themes can include a visit from our traveling hive, trying on bee suits and could even include a look at the honey harvesting process!
| Program Length | Fee per Participant (Minimum 8) |
| 1 hour | $10 |
| 1.5 hours | $12 |
| 2 hours | $14 |
Library, Public Outreach or Special Event Bee Programs
Let us bring the adventure to you! Learn how honeybees function in a colony, beekeeping basics and how honey gets harvested! Our instructor will show you all the ins and outs of bee biology while showcasing our special traveling bee exhibit (depending on weather and availability). Fee is a flat rate based on single larger group for public programs/events. Local Organization fee based on traveling radius of up to 30 minutes from Lyman Woods. Fees for Regional Organizations based on traveling radius greater than 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour away from Lyman Woods. Program length and topics can be customized to your interest and needs.
| Program Length | Fee for Local Organizations | Fee for Regional Organizations |
| 45 mins. to 1 hour | $100 | $125 |
| 1.5 hours | $125 | $150 |
| 2 hours | $150 | $175 |
Honey Harvest
Get buzzing and discover the amazing world of honeybees! Learn how bees make honey and see firsthand how honey is extracted. Try your hand with the hot knife or extractor, and have a taste of wild Lyman Woods honey. Fee is per person, so please register everyone who will be attending. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Honey Harvests usually take place at the end of summer or beginning of Fall. This is public program, so please check out dgparks.org to check dates/times and to register.
Beginner Beekeeping Course
This in-depth 6-week winter course will introduce you to basic honeybee biology, social insect behavior, and honeybee colony dynamics, as well as the ins and outs of maintaining a hive throughout the year. Our local beekeeper will teach you how to order gear and equipment, as well as how to harvest honey and other products of the hive. Check with your local municipality to find out if home-beekeeping is allowed in your area. This is public program, so please check out dgparks.org to check dates/times and to register.
Become a Beekeeper
Lyman Woods offers a range of beekeeping classes, group activities and outreach programs - we'll even bring the bees to you!
Lyman Woods Honey For Sale!
Honey harvested from our apiary is sold through Lyman Woods and available seasonally during regular hours at the Interpretive Center and Online on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase 8 oz. bottles. Available while supplies last!
