Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
Coming Soon... www.stcnature.org
A destination unlike any other —
part educational facility and part entertainment venue!
Why travel to another state, or country, when you can make amazing discoveries in your own backyard? Designed around the enchanting theme, “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got…,” Hickory Knolls’ exhibits and displays showcase the Fox Valley area’s many natural treasures.
The 10,500-sq.-ft. building features a spacious lobby that soars more
than 20 feet in height, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of
the oak savanna just outside the doors. A wide range of attractions will
appeal to visitors of all ages.
Some of Hickory Knolls’ outstanding offerings include:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification
- Indoor turtle pond and wetland exhibit
- Live animal displays
- Interactive floor-to-ceiling murals
- Room rentals for your special events
- Birthday parties hosted by trained naturalist staff
Did you know?
The 131-acre natural area in West Side Community Park is now known as the Hickory Knolls Natural Area.
Located just west of the community garden plots, these restored wetlands, woodlands, savanna and prairie feature hiking trails and offer a picnic pavilion for year-round enjoyment.
Facility Hours, Phone Number & Location
Mondays & Tuesdays - Closed
Wednesdays-Saturdays - 10am-4pm
Sundays - 12-4pm
Phone: 630-513-4399
Address: 3795 Campton Hills Road - entrance is on the south side of Campton Hills Road just west of Peck Road. Follow signs to the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
Rental Opportunities
Need a place to have a family reunion,
business meeting, wedding or special event?
We have the space for you!
Twinleaf Room East (Max 57)
Twinleaf Room West (Max 57)
Twinleaf Room Both (Max 114)
Reasonable Rates!
Available weekdays at varying hours& weekend evenings. Kitchen & audio
visual equipment additional.
Make your reservation today –
call 630-513-4399.
Nature Birthday Parties
What’s more fun than nature?
Nature with cake, that’s what!
Hold your child’s next birthday party at the
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center! Hickory Knolls’ Wahoo Room
is available for parties on weeknights, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.
Themes include:
• Nature Games Interactive nature-themed play for ages 4-6.
• Nature Inside and Out Indoor and outdoor explorations for ages 4+.
• Reptile Extravaganza Fun with snakes and turtles for ages 4+.
• Gems of Nature Jewelry and craft party for ages 7+.
• Nighttime Nature Campfire and hike for ages 7+.
All parties last 90 minutes and include decorations and room setup, goodie
bags (unfilled), activties, clean-up and more – plus time outdoors (weather permitting).
New Prices Effective March 1
Standard Party Packages for 20 guests: RES $209/NR $259
Premium Party Packages for 20 guests: RES $279/NR $329
Want more info? Call 630-513-4399.
Program Opportunities
Explore bugs, reptiles and amphibians in the classroom and at local park sites. Discover animals covered in feathers, fur, scales and slime. Follow the District's naturalist staff out at night to listen to the sounds of the animals and birds. Local experts offer in-depth information and learning opportunities for a variety of nature-related topics. More classes include gardening, nature photography, canoeing, backpacking trips, birding, etc.
Click here to search for specific science & nature program information by age.
Environmental Education Opportunities
Field Trips
To learn about the District's environmental education partnership with Community Unit School District 303, click here.
In Classroom Programs
For more information, click here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Kane County Certified Naturalist's Program
For more information, click here.
Natural Area Restoration
There are plenty of opportunities where you can share your time and talents
while you make new friends and become an important part of the St. Charles community. Whether you like the outdoors or the indoors, we need you! For more information, click here.
