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Forest Park Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,142 Google reviews · Running trail in Peoria Heights, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest Park 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.
Over 500 acres of nature preserve featuring trails, a natural history museum & a bird observatory.
What runners say about Forest Park Nature Center
“Nice clean trails to walk through lots to see and explore different Trails for different levels of hiking abilities plus handicap accessible hiking trail”
“We did the Pimiteoui trail (NOTE: IT'S ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PARKING LOT AT THE NATURE CENTER SO YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR IT) and it was challenging but stunning.”
“On a beautiful sunny day this nature preserve offers plenty of shade under the canopy of the fully grown trees.”
“The trails are well marked and there is a map at the beginning of the trail.”
“Peaceful and all the wildlife is protected so they dont scare off easy and you can semi get close to them.”
This is a beautiful place to hike or just enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Hiking trails are excellent and very well-maintained, and are challenging enough to get a solid workout. This is a true gem around Peoria!
Review Date: September 29th, 2013 I remember coming here a few times as a kid on field trips. It was awesome as kid. They taught us about animals, bugs, nature and everything else outdoorsy. Then we got to hike a smaller trail as a group. Maybe this is what caused me to be such an avid outdoors person.
I grew up hiking the trails here. I've lived in a lot of places since then and I haven't found another park that as successfully pairs convenient location with quality natural habitat. Seeing deer and/or turkey on the trails is as close to guaranteed as you can get with nature.
Best part of all, dogs are prohibited!!!! Beautiful, scenic park. Extremely well maintained trails. Fun for kids to explore the area. The volunteers in the Nature Center were very friendly and helpful. Parking was adequate when we got there, but by the time we left, it was packed.
Trail conditions & character
“We did the Pimiteoui trail (NOTE: IT'S ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PARKING LOT AT THE NATURE CENTER SO YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR IT) and it was challenging but stunning.”
“We did the Pimiteoui trail (NOTE: IT'S ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PARKING LOT AT THE NATURE CENTER SO YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR IT) and it was challenging but stunning.”
“On a beautiful sunny day this nature preserve offers plenty of shade under the canopy of the fully grown trees.”
“Peaceful and all the wildlife is protected so they dont scare off easy and you can semi get close to them.”
“If you don't want something this challenging, they have several other trails that are rather flat but you won't get the reward of an amazing view of Peoria Lake.”
“The trails are well marked and there is a map at the beginning of the trail.”
“Is like a 3 mile loop and I had forgotten my walking tennis shoes wh3n we flew in so only had flip flops for the walk.”
“Bring water no matter what time of year and make sure you don't need a bathroom.”
“Nice clean trails to walk through lots to see and explore different Trails for different levels of hiking abilities plus handicap accessible hiking trail”
Plan your run at Forest Park 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitepeoriaparks.org
- Phone+1 309-686-3360
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Peoria Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pimiteoui Trailhead
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Bielfeldt Park
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Donovan Park
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Grand View Drive
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