Knoch Knolls Nature Center
About
LEED-Gold Nature Center Where Two Rivers Meet
Knoch Knolls Nature Center sits at the confluence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River. The LEED-Gold building hosts hands-on river-ecology exhibits, while the surrounding 144-acre park has five miles of woodland trails, nature playgrounds, a canoe/kayak launch, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
What Kids Can Do
Indoor exhibits include live native turtles, snakes, and river-ecosystem displays kids can touch. The Naper Settlement-style nature playground uses logs, stones, and water features instead of plastic equipment. Naturalist-led family hikes run four times a year. Free Nature Discovery Days drop-in programs run during winter and summer breaks [marked: program schedule changes by season - check the events calendar before driving].
What's Included
General park access free year-round. Indoor center free during open hours (M-F 9-1 and 1:30-4:30, Sat 9-3). Nature Discovery Kits, Cub/Girl Scout badge programs, and Fishin' Kids sessions bookable separately.
Experience
Plan 2 hours. Mix of indoor center and outdoor trails - works year-round. Disc golf and canoe launch are warm-weather only. Free parking on-site. Stroller-friendly main loop.