Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles Park District

06/09/2026

💚 We love spending time at River Glen of St Charles! 💚

06/06/2026

Just a heads up for anyone planning to visit us today. We are hosting our annual Native Plant Sale, which means that our exhibit spaces are doubling as spaces where plants are on display and will be filled with those shopping. Be aware that your access to our animal exhibits may be limited. Also, due to this event we will not be hosting our twice daily animal encounters, "Hangin' with Hickory Friends" today. We will resume those experiences on Monday.

06/04/2026

Park District Shout Out..... Sharing a "shout out" to Precision Today Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical as a Park District Partner! We are grateful for this partnership and Precision Today Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical for the continued support of Park District events and activities.

06/03/2026

🌿 Bring a little more nature home this summer! 🌿

Our annual Native Plant Sale is this Saturday, June 6, from 9 AM–2 PM.

Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, providing food and shelter for countless species of wildlife while creating beautiful, resilient gardens.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or planting your very first native species, we'd love to help you find the perfect plants for your space.

See you at the sale!

06/02/2026

☀️ Camp season is officially underway! ☀️
Before camp started, we asked our summer camp staff what they were most looking forward to this summer! From exploring the trails to making memories with campers and spending their days outdoors, their answers remind us why summer at Hickory Knolls is so special!

06/02/2026

We hope you come to see us at Hickory Knolls this summer! The animals and staff are eager to meet you. Just a couple of things to be aware of:

Our Summer Nature Camps are in now session! This means that when you visit you can expect to see our campers around the nature center and grounds doing lots of nature learning and having fun. Some of these activities may temporarily affect access to our exhibit and other spaces.

Also, our Hickory Hide Out nature play area is under renovation. After 8 years of play and weathering the natural elements were beginning to decompose, weather and do what natural things do. So, this amenity will be unavailable for a time as a new play area is installed.

05/28/2026

Meet Our 2026 Camp team!! ☀️🌿

Our camp crew is ready for a summer full of adventures, laughter, muddy shoes, nature discoveries, and unforgettable memories! Swipe through to meet the amazing counselors who will be leading the fun this summer 🌲✨

Which camp is your kiddo joining this year? 👀

05/28/2026

Ready to stamp your passport to adventure? 🌿📖

Turn to page 68 and make your way to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for your next summer adventure stamp!

Don’t have your Passport to Museums & Nature Centers in Kane and DuPage Counties yet? Stop by our nature center to pick up your FREE summer passport and start exploring! ☀️🦋

05/26/2026

🎒🇺🇸 Take on the Red, White & Ruck challenge this June 27 at Mt. St. Mary Park!

🎒 READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? GO RUCK!
Take your Stars, Stripes & Steps experience to the next level with the Ruck Division! Grab your weighted vest or pack and tackle the 2.5-mile route while honoring America’s 250th birthday.
Perfect for fitness enthusiasts, training groups, and anyone looking to add an extra challenge to their morning walk.

💪 Ruck Division: $30/person ➡️ bit.ly/4wahahM

🎖 Includes commemorative event patch, t-shirt* & sling bag
📍 Mt. St. Mary Park
🗓 Saturday, June 27 | 8am

*Register by June 1 to guarantee your t-shirt

Show up. Celebrate big.

05/23/2026

Today!!! Come out to Riverlands Brewing Company for a turtley good time!

Turtle races start at 2 pm! 🐢🏁

Proceeds support the care of the Hickory Knolls' critters who serve as educational ambassadors to provide quality nature programs for the community.