Knoch Knolls Park Amenities
Nature Center
Restrooms
4 Bridges*
2 Rivers
1 Creek
1 Pond
2 Picnic groves
Canoe and kayak launch
1 Backstop
2 Small multi-use fields
18 Disc Golf nets
84 Parking spaces
Trail Miles: 5.5 (approx)
Hiking and Biking Trail Maps at Knoch Knolls Park
Frank Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park
The Frank Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park is a 39.95--acre wooded area on the west side of Knoch Knolls Park that was donated to the Naperville Park District through a gifting agreement with the Beneficiary of the Frank Rus Trust. This land already has been designated as preservation land under a Grant of Conservation Right and Easement dated June 14, 2000 and administered by The Conservation Foundation. The Park District will continue to maintain the land as open space for the community.
The west side of the property is open to the public. Visitors may park their vehicles in the parking lot at Knoch Knolls Park and access the Frank Rus Preserve via the DuPage River Trail. Per the donation agreement, the east side of the property will remain closed to the public at this time.
Turf trail through the western (public) portion of the Frank Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Naperville Park District plan to care for and use this donated property?
A: The Frank Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park is designated by a Conservation Easement as preservation land, and the Park District plans to maintain this natural area as a preserve. Park maintenance will be performed as needed.
Q: How can the public access the west side of the Frank Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park?
A: Visitors to Knoch Knolls Park may park their vehicles in the parking lot at Knoch Knolls Park and access the Frank Rus Preserve via the DuPage River Trail.
Q: What does the public portion (west side) of the Preserve include at this time?
A: The public portion of the Preserve consists of a young forest that was planted on former agricultural land. There is a turf trail in the public portion of the forest that runs along the perimeter of the property. Visitors are encouraged to use this trail to view the forest. No trespassing signs are posted along the border of the closed portion of the land to the east. Please stay on the turf trail while walking through the public use area.
Additional Area Trails
Naperville Biking Map and GuideDuPage County & Regional Bike Maps
DuPage River Trail Map
Fishing at Naperville Park District Parks
Anyone can fish in Naperville Park District ponds and the two branches of the DuPage River.
If you are 16 and older you must obtain a fishing license, but anyone 15 and under can fish for free.
You can obtain a fishing license online or in local stores. For a list of stores/vendors selling licenses in your area click here.
The state offers a free fishing tackle loaner program so you can try out fishing without having to purchase the equipment! Click here to learn more about this program and get a list of participating loan locations.
Please note: Rules and regulations for fishing are set by the Illiniois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Here's the 2019 Illinois Fishing Information guide.
And please remember to fish responsibly by throwing out your empty bait containers and removing any fishing line that might endanger the local wildlife.
The Knoch Knolls Nature Center also offers fishing programs for children ages 5-11, with a parent, and for scout groups.
During these programs we provide the fishing poles and bait.
Check out our Fishin' Kids programs offered each spring/summer.
Check out our Scout fishing programs offered during the spring and fall.
Boating and Kayaking
Knoch Knolls has a boat launch that is easily accessible to launch a small boat or kayak.Map of regional water trails for canoeing and kayaking
Nature Playground for Kids
The Knoch Knolls nature-themed playground near the Nature Center, features a variety of play apparatus within a beautiful outdoor setting. The playground has features for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12.
Picnic Areas
Enjoy a picnic under the canopy of the Lower Grove Picnic Area (12 picnic tables) or open area of the Upper Grove Picnic Area (6 picnic tables plus fire ring). Small groups may use the picnic areas and Park District grills, on a first-come, first-serve basis. A permit is required when a group is 25 or larger, the fire pit is used, alcohol is being served or if you plan to bring your own personal grill. Please call 630-864-3965 to make a reservation.
18-Hole Disc Golf Course
The expanded 18-hole disc golf course was completed in 2014 with additional improvements to the course landscaping finishing up in 2016. With its beautiful location along the West Branch of the DuPage River, it’s a popular spot for disc golfers. The course is free and available anytime the park is open, from sunrise to one hour after sunset. If needed, discs may be purchased from the nature center during its open hours.
Download the Disc Golf Course map
Learn About the Sport:
Disc Golf 101
