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James Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 602 Google reviews · Running trail in Evanston, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from James 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.
Urban recreation area offering a playground, athletic fields, basketball & tennis courts & gardens.
What runners say about James Park
“From my experience, the restrooms are clean and not too far from the play area, which is a lifesaver when you're with young kids who need to go at the last minute.”
In my opinion, this is one of the better playgrounds in the area for families with kids. It has everything you’d want—a fun slide, swings that feel safe and sturdy, and monkey bars that keep the kids busy and active. The surface is soft, which helps ease my nerves a bit when the little ones are running around.
Nice place to go for a walk, play some sport, climb a hill, take pictures or slide down as fast as you can on winter
What surprises me is that there is a place for everyone here and also, very well respected. Also, If you are a jogger, there is a shortcut when you run down alongside the road coming in towards the field being on your right and cars parked alongside the road on your left.
I haven’t been to this park in a few years nothing much has changed still beautiful as before. Great place to walk, play tennis, playground for the kiddos. I will have to say that there is gravel running lane unfortunately it doesn’t go all around the park which sucks.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice place to go for a walk, play some sport, climb a hill, take pictures or slide down as fast as you can on winter”
“From my experience, the restrooms are clean and not too far from the play area, which is a lifesaver when you're with young kids who need to go at the last minute.”
“There is a field house with restrooms that are well-maintained and clean and the parking lot is quite large.”
“I also appreciate that the park is dog-friendly, but only if your dog is on a leash.”
“Also, the kids did take a quick break to play on the playground or to warm up in the car both were at convenient view locations down the slopes.”
Plan your run at James Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- Websitecityofevanston.org
- Phone(847) 448-4311
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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