Self-Guided Group Visits

Visiting the Nature Center is free!*

*Please contact us at 630-864-3962 before scheduling a visit with a large group. We may have our own group programs or camps running which could create conflicts with indoor nature center access and outdoor program areas. Thank you!

  • 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.

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 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 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 short videos, with closed captioning, highlight the formation of the natural features, the local wildlife, plus human history and impacts.
  • Five hands-on, interactive displays highlight seasonal changes. One is designed specifically for toddler-aged children.
  • A digital touch-screen kiosk includes information about our sustainable building features, mobile tour link, map showing the route to the confluence, links to our Learn About Nature topics, upcoming events and a new 15-min film titled, Mussel Matters: Saving Critical Species in DuPage County, featuring local freshwater mussels.
  • During the winter months (Jan-March, Nov.) and in August we offer free themed Nature Discovery Days activities. Check the current program guide for themes, dates and times. 
  • Four onsite outdoor mobile tours (Nature Scavenger Hunt, Make Earth Day Every Day, Audio Described Tour and a Hike to the Confluence Tour) are available for smartphones users. The first three tours are about 1/2 mile long. The Hike to a Confluence Tour is guided for one mile with the round trip totaling 2 miles. 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 area 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/people, or you want to guarantee use of the picnic area, you must reserve the picnic area by filling out our Online Rental Request form.
  • Many also enjoy playing our 18-hole disc golf course, found on the west side of the park.