Located approximately 45 miles west of Chicago, and nestled at the edge of 130 acres of oak woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center offers a unique blend of rustic nature and contemporary comforts.
The LEED-certified facility features scenic views and an open floor plan. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is the perfect place to host your family-friendly wedding celebration. Exchange heartfelt vows in a whimsical outdoor ceremony that features towering oak trees, or pledge your love beneath the rustic outdoor pavilion, which includes a stone fireplace. You may also opt for a romantic ceremony in the center's Exhibit Hall or customizable Twinleaf Rooms. The spacious lobby soars more than 20 feet in height, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the oak savanna just outside the doors. This venue is the perfect space for treating your guests to a unique cocktail hour experience.
Not just for weddings, the center has a wide range of attractions to appeal to visitors of all ages including live animal displays, interactive floor-to-ceiling murals, an indoor turtle pond, wetland exhibit, making it the perfect location to host birthday parties, quinceaneras, graduations, anniversaries, and much more!
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center has rental options ranging from the Entire Facility, to the Exhibit Gallery, and our two combinable banquet rooms, Twinleaf East & West, giving you plenty of options to plan your perfect event!
Includes:
-Open floor plan
-Multiple rental spaces available inside & out
-Accommodation for groups up to 200 people
-130 acres of natural area
-Audio & visual equipment
-Kitchen space
-Firepit
-Private bridal room
To inquire about availability and discuss booking, contact Rental & Facility Coordinator, Emile-Margaret Spangler.
Attendees: 20 max |$25 - $35/hour Pricing for all event types
A small room with private access that typically serves as the bridal room.
Event Spaces
Gloria Klimek Exhibit Hall
Gloria Klimek Exhibit Hall
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Exhibit Hall
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Twin Leaf Rooms (East & West)
Twin Leaf Rooms (East & West)
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General Event Space
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Lobby
Lobby
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Pre-Function
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North Outdoor Patio
North Outdoor Patio
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Outdoor Venue
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West Outdoor Patio
West Outdoor Patio
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Outdoor Venue
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Wahoo Room
Wahoo Room
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Recommendations
80th Birthday Party - An Eventective User
We hosted an 80th birthday party at Hickory Knolls Discover Center. Amanda and the staff were absolutely wonderful to work with. Our guests were very complimentary of the facility and would recommend it for your special event.