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Garden Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 155 Google reviews · Running trail in Evanston, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Garden 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.
City park offering a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths, plus beach access.
What runners say about Garden Park
“The park area and location is amazing,clean, it's a fenced area,benches and tables clean n made of metal.”
“I live in Chicago, was passing thru to eat lunch and found this beautiful park, so peaceful, beautiful view.”
“I live in Chicago, was passing thru to eat lunch and found this beautiful park, so peaceful, beautiful view.”
Nice, cozy and just-right for one to get away from crowded parks (and beach right next to it) in the city as this one is on the borders of Chicago and Evanston Can go with the family or friends or solo; play, walk or reflect on the mysteries of life (& beyond). Overall a good place to go - clean and well maintained!
I live in Chicago, was passing thru to eat lunch and found this beautiful park, so peaceful, beautiful view. I was so relaxed there. We walk a few and went to a beach near by but not free only for Evanston residents, but the nice young ladies knew we weren't dressed for the beach so they let us in for awhile.
Daughter lead me here during her community afternoon walk. I was pleasantly surprised. Beautiful view of the lake! Clean low-key playground with swings, slides and climbing equipment. Built in grills, benches and a separate grassy area for dogs, flying a kite or kick ball activities.
It's always been a nice park to take my children. On my oldest was born I took him and now my youngest. They reconstructed the park my youngest uses runs around using the padded Hills and beams as an obstacle course it's a beautiful Park sits right in front of the leg beautiful son brace.
Trail conditions & character
“I live in Chicago, was passing thru to eat lunch and found this beautiful park, so peaceful, beautiful view.”
“I live in Chicago, was passing thru to eat lunch and found this beautiful park, so peaceful, beautiful view.”
“Built in grills, benches and a separate grassy area for dogs, flying a kite or kick ball activities.”
“There is a bathroom and lifeguards, it is not free, but it's not swarming with huge picnic groups either.”
Plan your run at Garden Park
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofevanston.org
- Phone(847) 448-4311
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Evanston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
South Boulevard Park
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Elliott Park
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Burnham Shores Park
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Dawes Park
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Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
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This park pond features fountains & ducks & turns into an ice-skating rink in the winter.
Centennial Park
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Tree-lined lakefront park including a beach with volleyball courts & tranquil walking paths.