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Oakdale Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · Running trail in Freeport, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Oakdale Nature Preserve'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.
What runners say about Oakdale Nature Preserve
“Trails were kept very clean, as was all around them.”
“Never been to this preserve before today, a beautiful spring day when things are just starting to bloom.”
“You can find a nice peaceful trail to go for a walk on.”
Never been to this preserve before today, a beautiful spring day when things are just starting to bloom. I may have caught it at just the perfect time, but it's a wonderful place to study plants.
What a hidden gem! Beautiful trails with a creek and wild flowers along the way. We were shown the octagon building as it is being renovated as an event venue. Fun swing and climbing tower, and a slide. Don't skip this one, it'll prove it's value!
Always a Must-Visit as well if your wanting some fresh air or knowledge of the area! We grew up going going on field trips here even...granted, it's has definitely improved over the years! You can find a nice peaceful trail to go for a walk on...
Great park. Some trails are paved for wheelchair use. North entrance has a paved handycapt parking spot by trail entrance. Gazebo has lighting for evening events and plugins for carious needs. Fire pit has seating for 18 people on stones plus room on ledge. Plenty of space for chairs to sit closer.
Trail conditions & character
“Never been to this preserve before today, a beautiful spring day when things are just starting to bloom.”
“Some trails are paved for wheelchair use.”
“I was very impressed with the newer restrooms they have installed.”
“It's turned into a kids summer camp now so the main parking area is completely taken over.”
“They paved part of trail and added stuff for kids and directionals on existing trails and updated the bridges.”
“You can find a nice peaceful trail to go for a walk on.”
Plan your run at Oakdale Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefreeportparkdistrict.org
- Phone+1 815-235-6114
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Freeport
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dillehay Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Kids' park with a playground, tennis courts and a frisbee golf course.