HomeIllinoisElgin › Walton Island Park

Walton Island Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 305 Google reviews · Running trail in Elgin, Illinois · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Walton Island 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.

ScenicQuiet

Landscaped fishing spot featuring a gazebo and a flag sculpture, plus two pedestrian bridge access points.

What runners say about Walton Island Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (305 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“It's beautifully arranged, clean, and thoughtfully designed — perfect for a peaceful walk, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“Walton Island Park is a peaceful and scenic spot, ideal for nature lovers and those looking to unwind.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 8 mentions

“It's beautifully arranged, clean, and thoughtfully designed — perfect for a peaceful walk, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.”

Walton Island Park on the Fox River in Elgin is a hidden gem! It's beautifully arranged, clean, and thoughtfully designed — perfect for a peaceful walk, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. The landscaping and layout are impressive, showing great planning and care.

★★★★★ — Beata , May 2025

I was in the area to get tattooed at Top Notch in Elgin and I had some time to pass before my appointment so I came over to this lovely park to walk around. The dam is really cool, the landscaping is gorgeous, and there were lots of geese and ducks.

★★★★★ — Valerie , Jul 2025

This place is beautiful in the fall! Great place for a fall photoshoot, a stroll, picnic, or walking your doggos!

★★★★★ — George , Oct 2022

Beautiful park not crowded, love our time at this park. No playground. But the kiddo will enjoy the walk to the Island.

★★★★★ — Wynnie , Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 305 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 14 mentions

“Walton Island Park is a peaceful and scenic spot, ideal for nature lovers and those looking to unwind.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“It's beautifully arranged, clean, and thoughtfully designed — perfect for a peaceful walk, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Walton Island 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.
  • Websitecityofelgin.org
  • Phone(847) 931-6123

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Friday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Sunday 6 AM–10 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 Walton Island Park

Fox River Trail (Algonquin to Aurora), Elgin, IL 60120

Get directions

Running trails near Elgin

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

Lords Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,311 reviews

Elgin, IL

Scenic

108 wooded acres with historic pavilion, museum & zoo plus playing fields, picnicking & water park

1.4 miles away

Marie Grolich Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 104 reviews

Elgin, IL

Clean playground featuring a jungle gym, slides and a baseball field.

1.4 miles away

Elgin Shores Forest Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Elgin, IL

Dog-friendly

1.5 miles away

Eagle/Burnidge Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 41 reviews

Elgin, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Dog-friendly, grassy park, featuring picnic tables, walking trails, a playground and a pond.

1.7 miles away

Tyler Creek Forest Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 254 reviews

Elgin, IL

PavedScenicDog-friendly

City oasis on a creek with forested slopes, hiking & biking trails & a large picnic shelter.

1.7 miles away

Trout Park River's Edge

4.5 ★★★★★ 172 reviews

Elgin, IL

Scenic

Familiar riverside park featuring a bike trail and river vista with gazebo and benches.

2.0 miles away

All running trails in Elgin, 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.