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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.
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 Upper Grove Picnic Area (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.
Upcoming Improvements/Construction
2024 Projects
The Frank J. Rus pavilion installation and site improvements project is planned to be completed in 2024 at Knoch Knolls Park as a result of a generous donation in the amount of $250,000 from the Frank J. Rus Trust to assist with funding the project. The new pavilion will support the Park District's outdoor educational and recreational programs and provide visitors to the park with an area to picnic in a beautiful natural setting. The pavilion is being constructed in the Upper Grove of Knoch Knolls Park, which is located on the south side of the DuPage River and accessible from the bicycle/pedestrian bridge. The Park District planned to repair the existing fireplace as part of the pavilion installation. However, during the initial repair, it was identified that the bricks, joints, and structural components were no longer stable and a new fireplace would need to be built as part of the project. The new fireplace will be very similar in size and appearance when compared to the earlier version. The Frank J. Rus pavilion installation and site improvements project is slated to be completed and ready for community use this summer.
2023 Projects
Invasive removal will be happening in a section of woodland at Knoch Knolls Park in the next week. This will include the removal of dead wood and standing dead trees. This will be happening on the south side of the river near the firepit area.
Invasive woody plants and less desirable species are being removed in two other areas to provide space for new and existing desirable species.
Knoch Knolls Park 2023 Project Maps
2022 Projects
Woody plants, including box elder trees and invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, are being removed along the river shoreline to better stabilize the banks, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality in the river. Following removals, the area will be planted with a seed mixture of native plants to protect the shoreline from erosion and promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Learn more
Knoch Knolls Park 2022 Project Map
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