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Fox River Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 338 Google reviews · Running trail in Waukesha, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fox River Sanctuary'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.
Riverside preserve with boardwalks, multi-use trails & a nature center with interpretive displays.
What runners say about Fox River Sanctuary
“We visited this beautiful park for the first time, and even without leaves on the trees yet, it was gorgeous!”
Another beautiful well maintained Waukesha area trail and park. Nice paved trail. A little icy in spots. Nice trails through the woods and along the river. Geese and ducks on the river. A merganser entertained us with his swimming and diving skills. Cold winter day in the teens but the walk was still really nice.
We visited this beautiful park for the first time, and even without leaves on the trees yet, it was gorgeous! There are both paved and unpaved paths to walk on, and it was nice to have a public bathroom onsite. We look forward to visiting again when all the trees have leaves.
This is a lovely park with an expansive lawn to walk. It features a small craft boat launch, a butterfly garden, resident groundhog and tree walk. The tree walk includes 13 specimens that are marked with smart tags. Bring your smart phone and scan the QR code to learn more about each species.
A very nice place to get out of the truck to unwind and take a walk. The area is very Peaceful and full of bird species such as Morning Doves, Canadian Geese, Ducks and various Songbirds that perform a wonderful Consorto together. What appeared to be a Falcon stopped as I was walking to pose for a photo.
Trail conditions & character
“We visited this beautiful park for the first time, and even without leaves on the trees yet, it was gorgeous!”
“There are both paved and unpaved paths to walk on, and it was nice to have a public bathroom onsite.”
“Continue further along the trail and you will reach marsh with viewing deck and boardwalk.”
“There are both paved and unpaved paths to walk on, and it was nice to have a public bathroom onsite.”
“As you walk south west through the park you encounter wooded areas with paths, and the trailhead for the Glacial Drumlin trail.”
Plan your run at Fox River Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitewaukesha-wi.gov
- Phone(262) 522-2953
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Waukesha
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bethesda Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
Park right on the river with tennis courts, a playground, picnic area, and paved trails.
Glacial Drumlin State Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews
River Walk
4.6 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
Riverside walkway with bike rentals and paddleboats amid a park offering gardens, a baseball field and a waterfall.
Frame Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 626 reviews
City park on the Fox River offering a playground, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and bike trails.
Glacier Cone Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Geologic area carved out during the Ice Age, now left undeveloped with wild prairie grasses.