Sportsman's Park

Location and History

Nestled in Naperville, Illinois, Sportsman's Park spreads across 27 acres on S. West Street. This green space came to the city as part of the Caroline Martin-Mitchell bequest and is now jointly managed by the Naperville Park District and the Naperville Sportsman's Club.

Trapshooting Facility

What truly sets Sportsman's Park apart is its trapshooting facility that welcomes both novices and experienced shooters alike. Open to the public twice weekly, the range features a welcoming clubhouse and three lighted trap fields for year-round enjoyment. You can visit on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or squeeze in some Sunday practice from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Just remember, this is a steel-shot-only range, and you'll need to bring your own shotgun and F.O.I.D. card. The volunteers who run the club prioritize safety and are generally helpful to visitors - whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro.

Beyond regular shooting hours, the facility hosts educational events including Hunter Education Field Days, offering valuable resources for those looking to learn responsible hunting practices.

Environmental Improvements

In 2011, the park underwent a significant transformation through a site remediation plan with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This environmental work opened up seven previously restricted acres for public use.

Recent Enhancements

Thanks to multi-year grant support from the City of Naperville's Special Events and Cultural Amenities (SECA) program, the park has seen impressive upgrades. These include ADA accessible walkways and shooting stations that make the park more welcoming for everyone, energy-efficient lighting that reduces light pollution, and modernized facilities at the Sportsman's Clubhouse.

The improvements extend to practical features like a new pervious pavement parking lot that naturally filters stormwater, a smooth asphalt driveway, and approximately one mile of new trails that invite exploration. Natural area restoration and thoughtful landscaping have further enhanced the park's ecological value.

Recreational Opportunities

Located close to downtown Naperville, Sportsman's Park provides a convenient nature escape. Take a peaceful walk on the gravel loop trail that circles the natural area, or explore the mulch trail winding through the woods from the sidewalk to the trapshooting range.

Visitor Information

When you're heading to Sportsman's Park, look for the large brown Sportsman's Park sign marking the entrance. You might want to ignore your GPS at the final approach - some services mistakenly direct visitors to the wrong parking lot. Instead, follow the road all the way around to reach the facility and start your adventure.