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Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Charles, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hickory Knolls Discovery Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Educational facility featuring live turtles, snakes and lizards among other animals.
What runners say about Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
“They gave us a half hour before to set up (45 minutes would've been better) everything was clean and set up when we got there.”
This place is a hidden gem of the St Charles community. Its great to visit to learn about the local wildlife also they have an extensive set of trails, a playground, a community garden, and more. Since we have young children we'd bring them to this place to break up the week and get out of the house.
Great place to bring littles! There’s a giant turtle tank with a ramp for little kids to stand on to see inside! Lots of different aquariums filled with snakes, spiders, lizards, fish, and turtles! Back play area for the kids is all logs, rocks and a sand area.
We love coming to Hickory Knolls. The staff are friendly and always willing to chat about the creatures they have there. They'll even sometimes take them out to show the kids, outside of their daily meet and greets at 11 & 3. It's a large place too with just enough for kids to do. Lots of turtles, snakes, lizards etc..
LOVE THIS PLACE. I had my sons first birthday party here and we did a critter meet and greet. We visit here all the time throughout the week. Great free activity to do with the kiddos and they love!!!!! Small building that takes 15 min to walk through.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Websitestcnature.org
- Phone+1 630-513-4399
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
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