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John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute)
4.7 ★★★★★ 329 Google reviews · Running trail in Godfrey, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute)'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.
Steep limestone bluffs, sinkholes, and other karst formations are highlights of this preserve with varied hiking trails.
What runners say about John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute)
“The trails are very well maintained and the restrooms are clean.”
“Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, and full of tons of wildlife (including snakes).”
“Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, and full of tons of wildlife (including snakes).”
Gorgeous place for a hike! Lots of flora and fauna. Beautiful little waterfalls too! No dogs allowed, sorry. Leave no trace. Took my hiking group here twice!
Beautiful well kept natural park. We hiked the Beaver falls trail. Even though it had rained the day before, it was not extremely muddy. Only a few slick spots on the steeper hills. Waterfalls were flowing...just beautiful!❤️
This is a must do for any nature lovers in the area. It is perfect for the whole family to visit. There are many varying trails, all with beautiful views. I will warn that some trails, Beaver and Deer, are for more experienced hikers.
My husband and I stopped here to check it out. Absolutely beautiful place. We will be back to tackle the trails!!
Trail conditions & character
“I visited for a second time determined to find the Beaver Fall waterfall, but it’s dried up around this time of year.”
“However, The onsite and online maps need to be updated as there is no longer parking allowed near the prairie apparently, though it's still marked as a parking lot on the maps.”
“Its semi rough as there some down hill and uphill paths.”
“The trail starts out paved but then turns to dirt with exposed tree roots.”
“The trail starts out paved but then turns to dirt with exposed tree roots.”
“Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, and full of tons of wildlife (including snakes).”
“The trails are a mix of paved, gravel, and dirt trails.”
“The trails are very well maintained and the restrooms are clean.”
Plan your run at John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute)
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
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethenatureinstitute.org
- Phone(618) 466-9930
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Godfrey
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
La Vista Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 126 reviews
Dog-friendly park featuring an 18-hole disc golf course, plus paved and dirt trails.
Clifton Terrace Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 182 reviews
Recreational area featuring picnic areas, a playground and scenic views of the river.
