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McCollum Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 917 Google reviews · Running trail in Downers Grove, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from McCollum 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.
50-acre grounds with facilities for many sports plus horseshoes, mini-golf, hiking & picnics.
What runners say about McCollum Park
“The 50-acre space offers something for everyone, from sports fields and tennis courts to horseshoe pits, mini-golf, and well-maintained hiking trails.”
“Highly recommend McCollum Park for anyone wanting a scenic, all-purpose running spot!”
McCollum Park has been my go-to spot for years. I grew up playing DGYB here, and now I’m into pickleball, basketball, and softball. The park is always in great shape, with well-maintained fields and courts. The basketball and pickleball courts are top-notch, and the softball fields are perfect for a game with the guys.
I’ve run a few laps already at McCollum Park, and as a running-enthusiast I love returning there. The 1.2-mile paved loop trail is smooth and well-kept, perfect for both sprints and steady distance pacing. I also appreciate the outdoor fitness stations and shaded rest benches along the route.
The asphalt track meanders through a wide variety of mid sized trees with an occasional bench. The entire park is flat as a pool table with a park employee living in a house on the grounds. Its a very big park with every sport available. Lots of people taking advantage of the facilities.
McCollum Park in Downers Grove is a real gem for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and a variety of recreational activities. The 50-acre space offers something for everyone, from sports fields and tennis courts to horseshoe pits, mini-golf, and well-maintained hiking trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Bathrooms, benches, and a cool scenery (especially during fall) on the walking pathways.”
“2-mile paved loop trail is smooth and well-kept, perfect for both sprints and steady distance pacing.”
“I'd like it more if street parking around it were less restrictive; the park itself is so big it can be hard to get where you're going if you're not close to the lot.”
Plan your run at McCollum Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitedgparks.org
- Phone+1 630-960-7500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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