HomeIllinoisOswego › Waa Kee Sha Park

Waa Kee Sha Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Running trail in Oswego, Illinois · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Waa Kee Sha Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

RestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Relaxed recreation area featuring a trail, a playground and picnic shelters.

What runners say about Waa Kee Sha Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (72 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“This is a quiet tucked away park that features a trail through the woods, a playground, and a large picnic shelter.”

This particular wooded area is a real gem, offering a wonderful blend of natural beauty and community features. Among its highlights, you'll find a nice playground for kids to enjoy, along with several well-defined walking trails.

★★★★★ — M , Nov 2025

Great place that no one seems to know about. Definitely off the beaten path. Separate picnic area, fire pit area, and an elaborate playground area for the kids. There is also a portable toilet that was very clean. Somewhat of a limited parking area but not to bad. Pretty sure you need to reserve the park.

★★★★★ — Christopher , Dec 2018

This is a quiet tucked away park that features a trail through the woods, a playground, and a large picnic shelter. The trail was about 1.50 miles in length and is good for a quick, not too strenuous hike in the woods. It could've been maintained a little better in some areas, but overall, it's a nice trail.

★★★★★ — Jeremy , Jun 2025

Wasn't what we expected. No paved walking paths, but there were paths with mulch through the woods. Path is short (about 1 mile from parking lot and back). Nice pavilion that should be reserved either grills. Huge firepit with seating. Playground for younger children too.

★★★★★ — Eric , Nov 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 72 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.

🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“It's a nice clean park with a small Pavilion and porta potties”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Path is short (about 1 mile from parking lot and back).”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“This is a quiet tucked away park that features a trail through the woods, a playground, and a large picnic shelter.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Waa Kee Sha Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websiteoswegolandparkdistrict.org
  • Phone+1 630-554-1010

Where to find Waa Kee Sha Park

4700 Reservation Rd, Oswego, IL 60543

Get directions

Running trails near Oswego

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

Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews

Yorkville, IL

1 miLoopBoardwalkScenic

2.5 miles away

Prairie Point Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 360 reviews

Oswego, IL

Paved

Field for softball, soccer, baseball and basketball, along with a skate park, picnic areas and playgrounds.

2.7 miles away

Richard Young Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 132 reviews

Yorkville, IL

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Kid-friendly, pet-friendly space for hiking trails traversing prairies and forests.

3.3 miles away

Lyon Forest Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 51 reviews

Yorkville, IL

ShadedScenic

Sprawling park featuring boardwalks and a hill offering walking paths and trails through a wooded landscape, plus geocaches.

3.5 miles away

Saw Wee Kee Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 325 reviews

Yorkville, IL

Natural surfaceScenic

Wildlife park with water activities, plus multi-use trails for BMX biking, horseback riding & more.

3.5 miles away

Fox River Trail head

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Oswego, IL

3.7 miles away

All running trails in Oswego, IL →

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.