Knoch Knolls Nature Center | Naperville

Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a public environmental education facility located in the heart of Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville, Illinois. Operated by the Naperville Park District, it serves as a community hub for nature-based learning, outdoor recreation, and sustainability awareness.

Address: 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL 60565
Phone: (630) 864-3964

Overview

Knoch Knolls Nature Center is situated in a 224-acre park at the confluence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River. The center provides indoor and outdoor educational opportunities for families, students, and nature enthusiasts. Opened in 2014, the facility was designed as a model for environmental responsibility and sustainable construction.

Indoor Features

900-Gallon Aquarium: Home to fish species native to the DuPage River, offering an up-close look at local aquatic life.

Live Animal Exhibits: Small enclosures featuring native reptiles and amphibians such as turtles, snakes, and frogs.

Interactive Displays: Educational panels, touchscreen kiosks, and hands-on exhibits covering ecology, geology, and cultural history.

Living Wall: A vertical garden that showcases native plants and teaches sustainable design.

Classroom and Community Room: A space for programs, workshops, and special events.

Short Nature Films: Informative videos with captions exploring local ecosystems and conservation topics.

Outdoor Features

Nature Playground: A natural play area designed for children ages 2 to 12, built from logs, boulders, and other organic materials.

Picnic Areas:

Lower Grove Picnic Area

Frank J. Rus Pavilion, which is available for rental

DuPage River Access: Canoe launch and fishing spots along the river and nearby pond.

18-Hole Disc Golf Course: One of Naperville’s largest courses, set along a wooded and scenic riverside.

Hiking and Biking Trails: Several miles of trails through woodland, prairie, and riparian habitats, many with educational signage.

Educational Programs

Youth Programs:

Nature Playtimes: For toddlers and caregivers, focusing on early nature engagement through guided play.

Little Explorers: Preschool-aged sessions exploring seasonal themes and local wildlife.

Fishin’ Kids: Designed to teach basic fishing skills, safety, and ethics to children ages 5 to 11.

Summer Nature Camps: Week-long camps for different age groups, offering hikes, games, experiments, and crafts.

Adult and Family Programs:

Forest Therapy Walks: Mindful, guided walks to reduce stress and promote wellness.

Guided Nature Hikes: Educational walks led by park naturalists, often themed around birds, wildflowers, or insects.

Sustainability Workshops: Sessions on composting, rain gardening, and native plant landscaping.

Family Campouts: Overnight events within the park, including campfires, stargazing, and group hikes.

Special Events:

Nature Discovery Days: Free, drop-in programs with hands-on nature activities for families.

Seasonal Festivals: Events like Earth Day, migratory bird walks, and anniversary celebrations.

Volunteer Events: Opportunities to help with prairie restoration, cleanups, and plantings.

Hours of Operation

Nature Center Building
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Knoch Knolls Park
Open daily from sunrise to one hour after sunset

Environmental Commitment

The building is certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and incorporates:

Solar panels

Energy-efficient HVAC systems

Rainwater harvesting

Green roof sections

Recycled and low-emission construction materials

Native plants around the building support local pollinators and wildlife, while also preventing erosion and filtering stormwater runoff.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center offers a valuable resource for those interested in learning about nature, sustainability, and the local environment. It combines hands-on exhibits, scenic natural areas, and engaging public programs to foster a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.