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Donovan Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 422 Google reviews · Running trail in Peoria, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Donovan 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.
Tranquil parkland featuring cross-country skiing in the wintertime & the Northmoor Observatory.
What runners say about Donovan Park
“Donovan Park is such a beautiful spot in Peoria—wide open fields, tall trees, and the prettiest golden hour light.”
“🌅 It’s one of those places that feels peaceful just to walk through, but it’s also such a perfect backdrop for photos.”
“Great park for an easy hike with beautiful scenery in the middle of town.”
“This is a great place to take our dogs to walk.”
Beautiful park in Central Peoria- a former golf course repurposed into prairie paths, many native trees and flowers, ponds with Geese, tree groves where you can find owls and deer etc. Kids enjoy one of the former sandpits now filled with trucks.
Make-a-wish walk for the cure event was held here. We went to help drive this organization mission forward to not only grant wishes but help support the families and all involved.
Nice park, well kept, prairie grasses, observatory, ponds, picnic spots, trees for hammocking. Only real "downside" is lack of paved paths, but definitely doesn't take away from the experience of such a nice park in the middle of town
This is a nice park in the middle of the city. Plenty of green space to walk or run. There are various sculptures throughout the park. The park is also good for cross country running. Donovan also is an accredited Level 1 Arboretum. Northmoor Observatory is also located on the grounds.
Trail conditions & character
“Donovan Park is such a beautiful spot in Peoria—wide open fields, tall trees, and the prettiest golden hour light.”
“Decent-sized park with plenty of green space and picnic tables, making it perfect for walking dogs or just enjoying the outdoors.”
“🌅 It’s one of those places that feels peaceful just to walk through, but it’s also such a perfect backdrop for photos.”
“Only real "downside" is lack of paved paths, but definitely doesn't take away from the experience of such a nice park in the middle of town”
Plan your run at Donovan Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepeoriaparks.org
- Phone(309) 682-6684
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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