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Harrison Benwell Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews · Running trail in Wonder Lake, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Harrison Benwell Conservation Area'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.
Preserve featuring trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as picnic areas.
What runners say about Harrison Benwell Conservation Area
“Great for a romp with the dog, very clean and well kept grounds with several hiking paths”
“Beautiful area, well groomed trails, and just long enough to keep the dogs happy!”
“Nice quiet park, trails kept nice, close to home enjoy bringing the dog for a walk.”
There are a good number of picnic areas, each with a picnic table, bbq, and garbage can. Some are large enough to toss around a ball. And there are plenty of hiking loops of varying sizes to choose from.
This is a terrific park. It's more a forest preserve than a park. It has a few picnic areas. The walking trails are long & winding. The rolling hills and beautiful terrain make this park a must-see.
One of my most favorite sites in the MCCD system. Lots of old Oaks in this preserve. Winding paths, a creek to pass over, and also the oldest site of all MCCD natural areas.
Quiet park, never busy with a couple of shorter trail options. There is a shelter, clean restrooms, and 4 different spots with a grill and picnic table.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful area, well groomed trails, and just long enough to keep the dogs happy!”
“My dog loves to run through the trails in the park, it's a very tranquil place to exercise and see how wonderful nature can be.”
“Nice quiet park, trails kept nice, close to home enjoy bringing the dog for a walk.”
“how can you not like a forest preserve this place is awesome they actually have restrooms.”
Plan your run at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemccdistrict.org
- Phone(815) 338-6223
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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