Home › Illinois › Chicago › North Park Village Nature Center
North Park Village Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 941 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North Park Village Nature Center'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.
46-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, a birding area & a center with educational programs.
What runners say about North Park Village Nature Center
“Really beautiful community nature, of you look carefully ok the backside of near the round about you will see deers roaming around randomly eating grass or even on the trail.”
“Deer and pretty natural areas, nice for a quiet place to clear your mind in the midst of the city Updated review 02/10/2026.”
Peaceful and quiet trails!! There is plenty of parking! It is quite hidden so keep that in mind! I am glad it is quite hidden because I guess that means less people know about the secret waterfall! The waterfall is so beautiful! It is so relaxing!
Hard to believe such a lovely natural oasis exist in the heart of the north side. Nice manageable trails, and several places to sit and meditate quietly. The staff has always been nice, helpful and friendly. This is one of my favorite nature getaways when I'm feeling overwhelmed by urban life.
great place to walk and feel in tune with nature. theres a lot of flora and fauna to see.
Really beautiful community nature, of you look carefully ok the backside of near the round about you will see deers roaming around randomly eating grass or even on the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Really beautiful community nature, of you look carefully ok the backside of near the round about you will see deers roaming around randomly eating grass or even on the trail.”
“Deer and pretty natural areas, nice for a quiet place to clear your mind in the midst of the city Updated review 02/10/2026.”
Plan your run at North Park Village Nature Center
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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitechicagoparkdistrict.com
- Phone(312) 744-5472
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Park Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
North Branch Trail South End at Gompers Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
LaBagh Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,915 reviews
This wooded area is a popular spot for nature observation & offers trails & picnic areas.
Lincolnwood Centennial Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 125 reviews
Recreational green space offering a disc-golf course, walking paths & creative, modern sculptures.
Henry A. Proesel Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 383 reviews
Park with baseball and basketball courts, a pool, picnic areas, and skating rink.
Lincolnwood Centennial Park Sculpture Walk
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews