Top 8 Nature & Parks in Naperville, Illinois (IL)

November 7, 2021 Claudia Navarrete

Consistently rated as one of the top places to live in America by Money Magazine, Naperville is a family-friendly suburb. Take a walk downtown along the Riverwalk and dine at one of Naperville's many great restaurants or learn about the history of the city at Naper Settlement.
Restaurants in Naperville

1. Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Naperville-Plainfield Road, Naperville, IL 60540 +1 630-933-7200 http://www.dupageforest.org/Conservation/Forest_Preserves/Springbrook_Prairie.aspx
Excellent
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States

I rode my bike and hiked on the trails in Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville in August. The trails are wonderful running through prairieland vegetation. No shade is to be expected most of the way. The place was chirping with variety of grassland birds and lots of rabbits were on the trails. A model craft field is also available at the Plainfield Road parking lot. The prairie was abloom with a variety of colorful flowers. The main attraction is an approximately 5.5 mile loop trail (Springbrook Prairie Trail). There is also a one mile trail (Sunflower Trail) which serves as access path from Modaff Road. These two trails are very smoothly paved with crushed stone and biking is permitted on these two trails. There is also a 2-mile long nature trail (Henslow’s Trail) dedicated for hiking only. Lots of black berries were in fruition on this trail. Trail markings are excellent throughout and quite informative placards posted every so often. Rest benches are located about every half mile. The only small negative thing about the loop trail is that a major road (Book Road) cut through the 5 mile loop, which means one has to cross the road twice in order to complete a loop. But, a tunnel under Plainfield Road conveniently connects the two trails on either side of the road. Springbrook Preserve is a gem of a place excellent for hiking, running, or biking. Best on a cloudy day to avoid the sun, though.

2. Dupage River Trail

1480 Royce Road, Naperville, IL http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/trails/dupage-river-trail
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Dupage River Trail

3. Whalon Lake Preserve

Royce Road, Naperville, IL http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/whalon-lake
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Whalon Lake Preserve

Reviewed By Y2287DBlynne - Lombard, United States

If goose poop everywhere is a deal breaker for you, Whalon Lake Preserve is probably not gonna be your jam. But besides that, this park is like a mini-vacation away from the world. With greenery, a little waterfront, walking and biking and even a dog park this site offers something for just about everyone to enjoy. We held our granddaughter's first birthday there in order to be outdoors and socially distanced. The use of the pavilion to eat together, but apart, was a great asset there. We will use this space again and again, even just to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.

4. Mcdowell Grove

4s500 Raymond Drive, Naperville, IL http://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/mcdowell-grove
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Mcdowell Grove

5. Greene Valley

Greene Road, Naperville, IL 60565 http://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/greene-valley
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Greene Valley

6. Centennial Beach

500 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540-5219 +1 630-848-5092 http://www.centennialbeach.org
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 162 reviews

Centennial Beach

Historic quarry-turned-swimming facility in 1931. Includes sand, grassy area for picnicking, shallow-end slide, water play features, diving boards and more.

7. Knoch Knolls Nature Center

320 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL 60565-5401 +1 630-864-3964 [email protected] http://www.napervilleparks.org/knochknolls
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 31 reviews

Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Reviewed By Peter-DG - Chicago, United States

Great place to visit for an hour or a day. Part of the Naperville Park District. There are kayak rentals available some times. Kayak a few miles up and down Du Page River West Branch to the confluence with the East Branch and beyond. Lots of wood chip hiking trails and paved biking trails to various spots along the river. Impressive indoor facility and park, and plenty of parking.

8. Ball Factory Indoor Play & Cafe

864 S Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540-0932 +1 630-640-2020 [email protected] http://www.ballfactoryfun.com/
Excellent
38%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 37 reviews

Ball Factory Indoor Play & Cafe

Ball Factory Indoor Play & Cafe is a place where kids and parents can play together in a fun, clean, and, safe environment. With a variety of themed areas for kids to explore and a designated toddler zone, our play place offers an exciting setting for kids of all ages to have a good time with their fellow playmates. Of course, we encourage parents to play with their little ones, too, allowing the family to create long-lasting memories while climbing, jumping, and sliding around our colorful play structures. Whether parents are looking for a fun, safe place to celebrate a kids birthday or the family wants to enjoy a weekend activity together, everyone can expect to have a playfully jubilant time when they visit our place!!

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