Home › Illinois › Downers Grove › Belmont Prairie
Belmont Prairie
4.6 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Downers Grove, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Belmont Prairie'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.
What runners say about Belmont Prairie
Great little place for a short walk. Volunteers work very hard to keep the land in it's *almost* original condition, keeping native plants in, invasive ones out, and monitoring wildlife. One of the few places you can see what Illinois would have looked like if we hadn't destroyed it, So be respectful!
A refreshing escape from the surrounding residential neighborhood. The prarie has a variety of wildflowers but is ruined by an ugly rusty chain link fence which runs right through the center. A man-made eye sore spanning this little gem of natural beauty.
Beautiful quiet place to go enjoy a little nature and think your thoughts. You can take a little stroll on the path also. The parking lot is small though so you may have a little trouble finding a spot if you drive.
A bit muddy today but it was still fun to walk around and see the wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“But it's totally worth it to view the wild flowers and maybe catch a glimpse of a deer or coyote.”
“The parking lot is small though so you may have a little trouble finding a spot if you drive.”
Plan your run at Belmont Prairie
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitedgparks.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Downers Grove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gelwicks Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
Park with athletic fields, a pavilion, and mowed paths, plus access to the Belmont Prairie Buffer.
Hoopers Hollow Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Paved circuit and dog-friendly hill for dog walks and biking, featuring a playground for slides and swings.
Downers Grove Fury
4.7 ★★★★★ 17 reviews
Maple Grove Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
Short trail through a wooded preserve, where red leaves and dappled sunlight create a magical feel.
PrairieWalk Pond
4.5 ★★★★★ 136 reviews
Relaxed green space with a pond, play areas and a splash pad.