Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles

About Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles offers hands-on nature education through exhibits, programs and outdoor exploration. Visitors encounter Animal Ambassadors and view a Blanding's Turtle Recovery Program exhibit featuring an indoor pond with six endangered turtles in 500 gallons of aquatic habitat. The center hosts drop-in events including Hangin' With Hickory Friends, available most weekdays and Saturdays at mid-morning. Specialty programs require advance registration and include Feed the Critters, Garden Explorers, Art of Nature, Campfire Treats & Tunes, and seasonal workshops. The facility offers nature camps, birthday parties, preschool classes and school field trips. Natural areas on the grounds include the Hickory Knolls Natural Area and Ferson Creek Fen for hiking and outdoor learning. General admission is free. The building is open weekday and Saturday mornings through mid-afternoon, with grounds accessible from dawn to dusk weather permitting.