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Ballard Nature Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 187 Google reviews · Running trail in Altamont, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ballard Nature Center'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.
Relaxed refuge featuring wooded trails, prairie and wetlands environments, plus a visitor center.
What runners say about Ballard Nature Center
“Beautiful natural areas, well maintained Hiking paths and informative signs.”
“Beautiful natural areas, well maintained Hiking paths and informative signs.”
Stopped in while out exploring the area and was totally blown away. Trails were in excellent condition, lots of signage, varied habitat areas, and birdhouses everywhere. Plus, was able to get a nice relaxing walk in
The best place to experience nature in the area. Do a little bird watching, hiking, forest bathing, children's fishing, or just commune with nature. There are several miles of trails, from accessible, crushed rock trails, to mulch covered forest trails, to mowed grass prairie trails, and everything in between.
This nature center was very nice. They have many trails to explore and enjoy nature. They have a very nice indoor facility. They have a separate area for children where they can learn more about nature and the animals of the area. The volunteer was knowledgeable and talked to us about the center.
I found the trails really easy to follow, but not easy to leave. There’s so much to see! The ground had recently been wet but was fairly dry when I was there, and checking out all the tiny feet that had been on the trails was delightful. I was surprised at the wide variety!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful natural areas, well maintained Hiking paths and informative signs.”
“There are several miles of trails, from accessible, crushed rock trails, to mulch covered forest trails, to mowed grass prairie trails, and everything in between.”
Plan your run at Ballard Nature Center
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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteballardnaturecenter.org
- Phone+1 618-483-6856
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 12–4 pm |
| Sunday | 1–4 pm |
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