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Wampum Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 675 Google reviews · Running trail in Thornton, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Wampum Lake'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.
Lush lakefront park & well-known fishing destination, with grassy areas for picnics & sports.
What runners say about Wampum Lake
“Beautiful and clean great place to relax and it got some nice trails for some mtn biking not hard but simple and fun , I had no problem getting around on my 26er hardtail .”
“Beautiful and clean great place to relax and it got some nice trails for some mtn biking not hard but simple and fun , I had no problem getting around on my 26er hardtail .”
“Quiet spot when theres no parties or events”
Nice picnic spaces and have to explore the trail around the lake when the rain isn’t so bad.
Cozy little spot. It's a big area with picnic tables scattered throughout the area. There's a trail around the lake to walk if that's your sort of thing. They allow fishing and the area is pet friendly. For large groups there is a Pavillion available for rent. No boats or similar crafts are allowed. Closes at dusk.
Beautiful and clean great place to relax and it got some nice trails for some mtn biking not hard but simple and fun , I had no problem getting around on my 26er hardtail .
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful and clean great place to relax and it got some nice trails for some mtn biking not hard but simple and fun , I had no problem getting around on my 26er hardtail .”
“Quiet spot when theres no parties or events”
Plan your run at Wampum Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Thornton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sweet Woods Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
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Van Laten Park
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Brownell Woods
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Nature area popular for its woodsy trails, mountain biking tracks & BBQ spots, plus creek fishing.