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Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan: Main Entrance
4.6 ★★★★★ 191 Google reviews · Running trail in Highwood, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan: Main Entrance'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.
Lakeside nature preserve with kid-friendly hiking, trails, and murals.
What runners say about Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan: Main Entrance
“I loved that I could tailor my birthday walk, exploring the beautiful wooded ravines and finding peaceful moments by the lake.”
“This preserve is a spectacular fusion of natural beauty and serene landscape.”
I walk the trails and neighborhood here several times a week. The views of Lake Michigan are perhaps the best on the Illinois shore. It's definitely worth the visit.
Beautiful Openlands Lakeshore Preserve! Where else can you find poetry, art, and murals while hiking along a ravine that leads to Lake Michigan?! Do want to mention that the preserve is a work in progress (IMO).
A Birthday Escape: I chose Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to celebrate my birthday and it was the perfect retreat. This preserve is a spectacular fusion of natural beauty and serene landscape. The expansive bluffs and the natural beach provide a true escape.
A magical spot on the lake. Great views, pretty trails, interesting beaches, and never too many people. My dogs and I go all the time. FYI They do have a port-a-potty, but no other services (i.e. a sink) and definitely not designed with disabled people in mind.
Trail conditions & character
“I loved that I could tailor my birthday walk, exploring the beautiful wooded ravines and finding peaceful moments by the lake.”
“This preserve is a spectacular fusion of natural beauty and serene landscape.”
“There are some places where the asphalt trail has been washed away, so the whole space is not totally accessible for some.”
“Well maintained steps, albeit with a high gradient, take you to a beautiful rocky/sand shoreline, at low or mid tide.”
“There are some places where the asphalt trail has been washed away, so the whole space is not totally accessible for some.”
Plan your run at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan: Main Entrance
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone(847) 367-6640
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Highwood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,344 reviews
Shoreline forest preserve with rolling terrain & trails for hiking, biking & cross-country skiing.
Buckthorn Park
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Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 131 reviews
Nature preserve with a trail, controlled-entry pond, and fenced-in acreage for dogs.
Forest Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 300 reviews
37-acre park district facility with a 3/4-mile walking trail & a lakefront beach.
