About Thayer Ridge Park

This 70 acre site, leased from the Knox County Commissioners, is now open. Originally, planned as an expansion area of the now-closed county landfill, this site abounds with wildlife and a unique vernal pool. A parking lot, with picnic bench, information kiosk and grill, is located at 7077 Thayer Road (west of Mount Vernon off SR 3). Drive south and past the Knox County Compost Facility. The park entrance is one-quarter mile south of the compost facility on the right. A nine-hole frisbee disc golf course will be installed in late summer of 2010, with assistance from the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon and Knox County. Special thanks goes to the 2009 class of Leadership Knox and the Lucy Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, for their donations of park amenities.

The area to the north of the park consists of the Knox County Compost Facility and closed Knox County landfill, and the area west of the park is a private hunting preserve. It is imperative that park users, for their own safety, remain within the park boundary. Do not encroach beyond the posted "private property beyond" park boundary signs!

The first phase of trail development is complete, and the trails are available for riding horses and mountain bikes. This park serves as the first park managed by the park district to offer bridle and mountain bike access. While hikers and walkers are welcomed to use the trail system, please be aware that muddy or rutted trail conditions or horse "calling cards" could be encountered.

Please observe the following trail courtesy:

* Mountain bikers yield to horse riders & hikers.
* Hikers yield to horse riders.
* Horse riders control your horse.

Equestrians with horse trailers should drive south past the traditional park entrance to the next entrance. A horse trailer parking lot is found south of the traditional parking lot. A hitching post is installed near the horse trailer parking lot. Equestrians must bring food and water for their horses and must clean up after their horses.

Archery enthusiasts, by permit only, will be assisting the park district with deer herd management, during the state deer archery season. Archery participants will use Thayer Ridge only on weekdays. Archery hunters are not allowed to pursue their sport on weekends. Gun hunting is prohibited at the park.

Wetland Plants

Vernal Pool - Squared-stem Monkey Flower

Vernal Pool - Cardinal Flower

Vernal Pool - Fringed Sedge

“Residents of Knox County have indicated their desire for the park district to provide recreational access for equestrian and mountain bike riding and frisbee disc golfing” said Kim Marshall, Director. “This represents the Knox County Park District’s commitment to afford quality recreational opportunities to all types of recreational users of Knox County.”