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I Want ToKnoch Knolls Park
Naperville, IL
60565
Amenities
- Backstop
- Boat Canoe Launch
- Disc Golf
- Facility
- Fishing
- Park
- Parking Spaces
- Picnic Shelters
- Playgrounds
- Ponds
- Restrooms
- Trails
Hiking and Biking Trail Maps at Knoch Knolls Park
Find more information about Park District trails here.
A Brief History of Land Acquisition at Knoch Knolls Park
On March 24, 1980, the Naperville Park District received 13 acres of farmland as a donation from Judge Win Knoch and Irene Knoch to be used for park purposes for the benefit of all that are entitled to the use of park lands. Following this donation, the Park District purchased the remainder of the Knoch farmland, totaling 115 acres, with assistance from a Land and Water Conservation Grant in the amount of $625,933. In 1988, the Park District purchased Glyman Woods to the east (55.8 acres) with the assistance of a $300,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant, and then added the Biannucci Confluence to the west in 1989, which expanded Knoch Knolls Park to approximately 218 acres. In 2021, a Beneficiary of the Frank Rus Trust donated nearly 40 acres of land to expand Knoch Knolls Park to the west. More information about this donation can be found below.
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.
Amenities
Turf trail access to Frank Rus Preserve
One route for hiking to confluence
Knoch Knolls Park Nature Center & Disc Golf Course
Additional Area Trails & Maps
Regional Water Trails Map & Info
Seasonal Events
Spring Wildflowers
Each spring the Lower Grove Picnic Area explodes with color due to the Virginia Bluebells blossoms. This spring wildflower, along with other native wildflower species, can be found growing throughout the park. Free Spring Wildflower Walks are available each April and May. Check our spring Program Guide for dates and times.
Autumn Colors
Every fall the trees in the park begin their displays of autumn colors for all to enjoy. From the bright yellows of the maples in the Upper Woodland, to the reddish brown of the Bald Cypress leaves, autumn colors can be found throughout the park. Join a Naturalist on a family, or adult, hike to view this autumn display. Check our fall Program Guide for dates and times.
Mobile Tours
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Knoch Knolls Park offers three outdoor mobile tours to use on your smartphone. These self-guided tours are available anytime the park is open - sunrise to one hour after sunset. Our Scavenger Hunt is designed for families, scout groups, and homeschoolers. An older child/adult tour about Earth Day and and audio described tour is available for visitors with low to no vision.
Bird Watching
In response to some woodpeckers causing damage to the storage shed located in the Upper Grove area of Knoch Knolls Park, the park district temporarily installs a deterrent system with a small speaker. The speaker relays audio cues like predator bird sounds and distress calls from various species (e.g., Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, House Sparrow, Peregrine Falcon, Sharp-shinned Hawk) to create an environment that feels unsafe for woodpeckers. This humane deterrent greatly reduces the presence of pest birds without harming them. The use of the speaker is not permanent, with the intent to remove it when the woodpeckers refrain from visiting the storage shed.
Fishing
Fishing is available along the banks of the DuPage River and at the pond at Knoch Knolls Park. All state fishing regulations apply; individuals between ages 16-65 need a valid fishing license, (15 and under do not need a license) which can be purchased through Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at local retail outlets. Naperville Park District’s rules for fishing can be found in Section 2.19 of Ordinance 641.
Want to learn more about fishing at Naperville Park District parks? Read our "Let's Go Fishing" blog. Fishin' Kids is a program for kids ages 5-11 and is offered several times each year. There also are opportunities for kids to fish in some of the summer nature camps and in our scout group programs. Check current program listings in the District's Program Guide.
Boating, Canoeing and Kayaking
Knoch Knolls has a canoe launch that is easily accessible to launch a small boat or kayak.
Nature Playground
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 children ages 2-5 and 5-12. The shelter/tables within the playground area cannot be reserved.
Picnic Areas
Enjoy a picnic under the canopy of the Lower Grove Picnic Area (12 picnic tables) or open area of the Frank J. Rus Pavilion located in the Upper Grove (6 picnic tables plus fire pit).
To obtain a permit, please fill out the rental request form below.
18-Hole Disc Golf Course
The expanded 18-hole disc golf course was completed in 2014 with additional improvements to the course landscaping finished 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.
