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Shepard Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 232 Google reviews · Running trail in Normal, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shepard 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.
Basketball court, playground and dog-friendly area at this well-maintained park.
What runners say about Shepard Park
“The park, like those all over in Bloomington and Normal are very well kept up.”
“Great dog park our little older dog loved to be able to just wander”
Great area for dogs to run and play in a fenced environment. Small dogs can be separated from large. Water provided for both areas in warm seasons. Highly recommended.
Review written 11/02/2025. Great place to walk around or sit in car and get work done on phone. Removing a star because I wish it had more longer sidewalks or walking paths but I walk laps in the parking lot.
What an excellent park! We came for the playground and especially liked that the playground designed for younger kids (2-5) has a fence and a soft pad around it (rather than woodchips that sometimes go in mouths). The equipment was in great condition and very age appropriate.
It's a great party for little kids. The younger area is fenced of to allow the real little ones to play with out having to worry about bigger kids running them over. Then there is also a pavilion with plenty of picnic tables, baseball fields, and a dog park.
Trail conditions & character
“Then there is also a pavilion with plenty of picnic tables, baseball fields, and a dog park.”
“Has a bathroom that is still open as of 11/02 even with the cooler weather which is nice to have a park with a bathroom.”
“Removing a star because I wish it had more longer sidewalks or walking paths but I walk laps in the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Shepard Park
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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenormal.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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