Naperville Park District in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
McDonald Creek
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 18, 2026
1. McDonald Creek Marker
Why is it called McDonald Creek?
The creek is named for its source—the McDonald Farm located to the north across Knoch Knolls Road. The McDonald family owned the farm from 1949 until 1992, when it was the only surviving farm in the midst of suburban developments. After running the farm alone for 26 years, Lenore McDonald donated the farm to The Conservation Foundation, which is now headquartered there.
A Feeder Stream for the West Branch of the DuPage River
McDonald Creek is a feeder stream for the West Branch of the DuPage River. Feeder streams, also known as tributaries, are smaller streams that flow into larger streams.
For the homes within its watershed, McDonald Creek provides a place for excess storm water to collect. Once the stormwater enters the creek, it slows down, allowing debris and particles to settle to the bottom before the water enters the West Branch of the DuPage River.
[Photo captions:]
• The McDonald Farm in 1873, when it was owned by Jonathan Royce. The watering hole for cattle and horses in the bottom left corner is the source
this page online
• The McDonald Farm (headquarters of The Conservation Foundation) in 2013, with the creek's source adjacent to The Conservation Foundation Headquarters.
• McDonald Creek on the Knoch Knolls Park property.
Keeping Feeder Streams Healthy
A healthy stream depends on a healthy shoreline protected from erosion and runoff. Native shoreline plants have deep, fibrous roots that hold the soil together and their leaves prevent heavy rains from eroding stream banks. Wetland plants also filter out contaminates from runoff including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and animal waste like goose droppings.
Erected by Naperville Park District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Charity & Public Work • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 41° 42.83′ N, 88° 8.508′ W. Marker is in Naperville, Illinois, in Will County. It is in the Naperville Park District. It is on Knoch Knolls Road 1.2 miles east of 95th Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in Knoch Knolls Park, next to the creek it references, along a
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 18, 2026
2. McDonald Creek Marker
Knoch Knolls Nature Center is in the background.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Where the Rivers Meet (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Where the Rivers Meet (a few steps from this marker); A Reminder of Times Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Taking Care of Our Watershed (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Landscape Restoration at Knoch Knolls Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Land Where the Rivers Meet (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Where the Rivers Meet (within shouting distance of this marker); Green Builders Long Ago (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Naperville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. McDonald Farm is about ¼ mile east of Knoch Knolls Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
