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Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 875 Google reviews · Running trail in Evanston, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park'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.
This park pond features fountains & ducks & turns into an ice-skating rink in the winter.
What runners say about Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
“The walking paths are lovely, and the rocks by the beach provide a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful views.”
“Enjoy a quiet morning, afternoon, or evening meditating, reading, or walking through the trees and grass.”
Sitting by the lake, between Davis and Church Street is this lovely park with a man-made lagoon filled with ducks, geese, birds, and people enjoying all that nature has to offer. Enjoy a quiet morning, afternoon, or evening meditating, reading, or walking through the trees and grass.
Gorgeous, scenic and vibrant is this oasis on the Northshore Lakefront. From the ducks and geese vying for space in the lovely pond with a fountain feature, to the tiny inlet complete with a lush Willow tree on it, it doesn't get much more idyllic than this.
This park is a hidden gem for peace and relaxation. The walking paths are lovely, and the rocks by the beach provide a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful views. It's truly a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, making it my favorite peaceful place
Beautiful. Right on Lake Michigan! Walk/bike/run paths. There's a lagoon with ducks. There's a place to grill, if you so choose. Plenty of parking. $3/hr for non-Evanton city sticker holders. I will definitely return. Loved it!!
Trail conditions & character
“The walking paths are lovely, and the rocks by the beach provide a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful views.”
“You will find ample of parking, but this parking are paid parking.”
“Enjoy a quiet morning, afternoon, or evening meditating, reading, or walking through the trees and grass.”
“Complete with a bike/walking path, a waterfall, and a public restroom, this is a great place to sit and read a favorite book alone or enjoy with your family.”
Plan your run at Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofevanston.org
- Phone(847) 448-4311
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Evanston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dawes Park
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Garden Park
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