HomeIllinoisDowners Grove › Patriots Park

Patriots Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 696 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 Patriots 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.

PavedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Unassuming spot with nature trails, a pond for non-motorized boats & kids' play areas.

What runners say about Patriots Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (696 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“Everyone was very friendly there and the park is nice and clean.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful park to picnic, fish, and walk and to enjoy nature.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions
🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“A quiet and nice park off 55th street in Downers Grove, this park has a huge pond with many wildlife including geese, mallards and ducks.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Lovely for all ages -- park, pond & playground -- except for 2 challenges.”

A bit too much rain for the faux coyotes at Patriot Park. When less water it is a very pretty park to walk around the pond. There are lots of benches on the south side of park, but none that I know of on the north side. 55th St can sounds a bit busy but we usually walk the path nearest the water.

★★★★★ — Rg2 , Apr 2022

Beautiful park to picnic, fish, and walk and to enjoy nature. Everyone was very friendly there and the park is nice and clean. There are a lot of ducks also There’s a playground for the kids also We caught like 6 fish while we were there

★★★★★ — Lisa , Jul 2023

Found this place while visiting Downers Grove, is a small park but a beautiful place to just sit and relax or go for a walk around pond and through the woods, is also a nice place to bring your dogs or even fishing

★★★★★ — Al , Nov 2022

Terrific little park with nature trails, fishing pond, and playgrounds for young children.

★★★★☆ — Mark , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 696 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Beautiful park to picnic, fish, and walk and to enjoy nature.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 8 mentions

“Met very nice people walking with their dogs.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 7 mentions

“It would be nice to post a large sign at entrance to parking lots notifying the wooden bridge is non-passable.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“A quiet and nice park off 55th street in Downers Grove, this park has a huge pond with many wildlife including geese, mallards and ducks.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“5 miles) — easy, paved, good for quick walks or jogging.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Plenty of parking + bathrooms available.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Not sure whether people who use wheelchairs, walkers or strollers are ok with small bridge.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Patriots 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.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitedgparks.org
  • Phone+1 630-963-1300
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–9 pm
Tuesday 5 am–9 pm
Wednesday 5 am–9 pm
Thursday 5 am–9 pm
Friday 5 am–9 pm
Saturday 5 am–9 pm
Sunday 5 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Patriots Park

501 55th Pl, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Get directions

Running trails near Downers Grove

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.