Self-Guided Visits

Visiting the Nature Center is free!

• Please check our open hours before you visit.
• All ages are welcome!
• Visiting Groups:
  • Due to the small indoor exhibit area, we ask that you bring a maximum of 20 students/scouts inside the nature center at one time.
  • If your group is larger than 20 students, please call 630-864-3965 and let us know what day you plan to visit; there may be other groups scheduled for the day that will be using the exhibit area. 

Things to do:

• The nature center features:
  • A 900-gallon freshwater tank with native fish plus native reptiles and amphibian exhibits.
  • A Living Wall of live plants is on display with information about it's function.
  • An indoor scavenger hunt is available for use inside the nature center to find the live animals, taxidermied ducks, fossils and animal fur. (During the month of October we offer a Creepy Critters Scavenger Hunt with a prize at the end.)
  • Interpretive signage presenting information on our green building's features including the cistern, cultural history, habitats of Knoch Knolls Park, and its geology is available inside. (Additional interpretive signage is found outside on the deck (Indigenous sustainable practices, the confluence of the East Branch and West Branches of the DuPage River, and restoration efforts) and throughout the park (prairie plant roots, McDonald Creek, DuPage River, pond, savanna, Scott Settlement, our woodland restoration efforts and the mill sculpture).
  • Four videos, with closed captioning, highlight the formation of the area, the local wildlife, plus human history and impacts.
  • Three hands-on, interactive displays highlight seasonal changes. One is designed specifically for toddler-aged children.
  • During the winter months (Jan-March) and in August we offer free themed Nature Discovery Days activities. Check the current program guide for themes, dates and times. 
• Three onsite outdoor mobile tours (Nature Scavenger Hunt, Make Earth Day Every Day, Audio Described Tour) are available for smartphones users. Each tour is about 1/2 mile long. Data charges may apply. To view our outdoor mobile tours beforehand call 630-339-3857 or visit napervilleparks.toursphere.com
• Additionally there are over 5.5 miles of trails within the park. You may request a map at the front desk or click here.
• Our nature-themed playground is a popular destination and has areas for children ages 2-5 and 5-12.
• Our picnic areas can accommodate groups of up to 25 students for free, on a first come first serve basis. If you plan to visit with more than 25 students/scouts, or you want to guarantee use of the picnic area, you must reserve the picnic area by filling out our Online Rental Request form.