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Prairie Lakes Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 270 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Falls, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Prairie Lakes 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.
A paved bike & walk trail with exercise stations loops around 2 scenic lakes with fishing & ducks.
What runners say about Prairie Lakes Park
“Although the park itself was clean and enjoyable, the restrooms leave much to be desired!”
Nice park. One pond. One lake with boat ramp. Biking/walking trail. Tourist Info Center. Workout stations.
Great suburban park on the South side of Cedar Falls near the industrial park with paved trails looping around the bigger of the two Prairie Lakes, and along two sides of the smaller lake.
Great park. The main feature are two loops of walking/biking paths that go around the 2 main lakes. Lots of room to run and have fun, but no real "park features" like playgrounds or bathrooms (there are outhouses...). We enjoy going on walks and looking for mulberries in the early summer.
Although the park itself was clean and enjoyable, the restrooms leave much to be desired! There is no roof or doors for privacy and no where to wash or sanitize your hands. There were a lot of neat things within the park and a great little walking trail with a few geocaches along the way.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of room to run and have fun, but no real "park features" like playgrounds or bathrooms (there are outhouses.”
Plan your run at Prairie Lakes Park
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
- Websitecedarfalls.com
- Phone+1 319-273-8636
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Cedar Falls
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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Greenbelt Lake
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