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Nelson Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,092 Google reviews · Running trail in Decatur, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nelson 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.
Spacious city park with a covered pavilion & access to Scovill Zoo & the lake shore.
What runners say about Nelson Park
“Beautiful mini golf courses that are kept clean.”
On contrary to the expectations, the lakeshore adjacent to the park, didn't seem to be active at the time of our visit, on a national holiday! A small walking trail, benches and a Pavilion but mostly covered with ducks and their reliefs! Maintenance could be better !
Have not lived here in 21 years. As part of my vacation going around to all my childhood places. My walk was so peaceful and good to see changes to the park. Amphitheater coming along great.
Always a great place to walk the dog and let the kid run off some energy
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful mini golf courses that are kept clean.”
“even better to visit at night when it is lit up with colored lights.”
Plan your run at Nelson 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitedecatur-parks.org
- Phone(217) 422-5911
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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