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Founders Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 257 Google reviews · Running trail in Beach Park, Illinois · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
60 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Founders 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.

60 miDog-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Kid-friendly park featuring baseball fields, ponds and open grassy spaces.

What runners say about Founders Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (257 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“Clean and convenient bathrooms and parking was right near the field.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“There is a section towards back of playground that is for fitness training, as well as two scenic ponds, a memorial with bench, a pop up library and two base ball fields.”

Took my son there, now hes grown, so I take my grandkids. I walk my dogs there. There are basket ball and tennis courts. There is a section towards back of playground that is for fitness training, as well as two scenic ponds, a memorial with bench, a pop up library and two base ball fields. Enjoy!

★★★★★ — Kskelly , Dec 2022

I love this place. Has a big area for the kids to play in. Different play stations and plenty of swings. The shelter sitting area is right next to the play area making it great for parents to sit and watch their children. Has fields and a track to walk. I recommend going here. The times I've gone it was crowded.

★★★★★ — Nara , Jul 2018

WALKERS, JOGGERS, RUNNERS! This park is simple and nice. For anyone who likes to walk, jog or run, the cement trail (full loop) is roughly .60 mile. It's a fairly flat trail around the park. Plenty of parking. Restroom area over behind the tennis court.

★★★★☆ — Kaitlyn , Jul 2024

This park provides a variety of activities for individuals and groups, making it an ideal location for relaxation and recreation. Whether you prefer jogging, biking, or simply finding a quiet spot to reflect, this park offers something for everyone.

★★★★★ — Leon , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 257 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Clean and convenient bathrooms and parking was right near the field.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Clean and convenient bathrooms and parking was right near the field.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“It also has a water fountain and plenty of picnic tables for the perfect picnic.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+) 2 mentions

“Hidden gem in lake county - best park by far in 50 mile radius!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

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Plan your run at Founders Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Phone(847) 746-1770

Hours

Monday 7 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7 AM–7 PM
Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Founders Park

10385 W Beach Rd, Beach Park, IL 60087

Get directions

Running trails near Beach Park

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

Lyons Woods Forest Preserve

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Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

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This 4,160-acre park with diverse scenery & wildlife offers camping, fishing, hiking & boating.

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Illinois Beach State Park - South Beach

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1.6 miles away

Shiloh Park

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Park with a playground, picnic areas, sports fields and courts, and a pond, plus trails.

1.9 miles away

Bowen Park

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Scenic

Flower gardens, forest & an exercise trail, plus a skate park, arts center & local history museum.

2.2 miles away

Hosah Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 99 reviews

Zion, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Quiet park boasting a sandy beach near trails.

2.7 miles away

All running trails in Beach Park, 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.