HomeIllinoisRockton › Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve

Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve

4.9 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockton, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
2.5 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve'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.

2.5 miScenicTrailhead parking

What runners say about Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (96 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“A true gem for our area, this pristine and very-well-maintained wetland is truly unique.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful nature preserve with hiking trails, free parking, and viewing deck.”

I went birding here and was no disappointed. The trail system is nicely maintained and the land is beautiful. I was able to see a large variety of birds including a pair of bald eagles. I did a total of 5 miles there and didn't even get to see it all. I will absolutely be going back.

★★★★★ — Garrett , Aug 2020

A true gem for our area, this pristine and very-well-maintained wetland is truly unique. This preserve offers a small parking area with a fairly easily accessible elevated wooden viewing platform with a telescope to help budding birders get excited about seeing water birds they may not have known about.

★★★★★ — Jen , Feb 2024

This is my new favorite preserve. Extensive trails, high volume of wildlife and wildly varying terrain. So nice to have a place with wetlands, multiple ponds, open fields, woods and a creek. When I went it was incredibly windy near the parking lot but the wooded areas were lovely.

★★★★★ — K , Apr 2025

Great viewing of sandhill cranes, geese and ducks. Wetland is protected. No dogsvallowed. Great hiking trail takes clise to an hr to circle.

★★★★★ — Michael , Dec 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 96 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Beautiful nature preserve with hiking trails, free parking, and viewing deck.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“When I went it was incredibly windy near the parking lot but the wooded areas were lovely.”

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Plan your run at Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitenaturalland.org
  • Phone(815) 964-6666
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve

3714 W Rockton Rd, Rockton, IL 61072

Get directions

Running trails near Rockton

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Rockton Bog Nature Preserve

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William & Gayle Keefer Nature Reserve

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Hononegah Forest Preserve

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Scenic

Woodlands on the Rock River with sports fields & a boat launch, plus picnic shelters & campsites.

3.8 miles away

All running trails in Rockton, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.