Above / Knoch Knolls Park is another natural treasure in Naperville, Illinois. Located in the southern part of the city and still blooming with golden wildflowers, the park offers biking, running/jogging, picnicking, fishing, watching wildlife and throwing rounds of disc golf.
Autumn always is an inviting time to hit the trails in Knoch Knolls Park, located at 336 Knoch Knolls Road, just off 95th Street down the street from Keller’s Farmstand.
On Oct. 7, 2023, an egret fished in the shallow DuPage River while the woods at Knoch Knolls remains mostly green. The dirt trails were damp in places with woody exposed roots. Step carefully to avoid tripping. Enjoy all the peaceful feelings of freedom along the winding paths that provide a place that seems a million miles from someplace.
Here and there photographers said they were keeping their eyes focused upward, hoping to sight hawks.
In addition to colorful wildflowers blooming along the trails, families were spotted taking part in hayrides.
Partake in Creepy Creatures Month at Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Families also can enjoy fall and Halloween-themed activities at Knoch Knolls Nature Center during Creepy Critters Month, now through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday. Self-guided activities are available to explore spiders, bats, crows and snakes. Additionally, kids can go on an indoor Creepy Critters scavenger hunt and win a fun prize.
Looking ahead, Knoch Knolls Nature Center will host an Adult Hike with a Naturalist at 10AM on Tues., Oct. 24.
Throughout the year, Knoch Knolls Park offers many outdoor activities available for all ages. The east and west branches of the DuPage River meet at the southern border of the park. The paved DuPage River Trail runs through the park in addition to unpaved dirt trails that run through the woods.
The Knoch Knolls Nature Center features nature exhibits and educational displays. Kids enjoy the nature-themed playground with two sections for kids—one for ages 2-5 and another for ages 5-12.
Off one of the beaten paths…
Wander the dirt paths as they meander throughout Knoch Knolls Park to a clearing where an historic marker tells how Scott Settlement in 1830 evolved over the years to become a park for the public to enjoy, thanks to Irene Mae Knoch and Win G. Knoch.
One more thing about Knoch Knolls: When it’s springtime, blankets of bluebells bloom beautifully as far as the eye can see.
