HomeIllinoisAurora › Waubonsie Lake Park

Waubonsie Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 914 Google reviews · Running trail in Aurora, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Waubonsie Lake 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.

PavedLoopScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterQuiet

Serene park with a lake for fishing, plus biking trails, a playground & waterfront picnic pavilion.

What runners say about Waubonsie Lake Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (914 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 12 mentions

“The park is very well maintained, with clean walking paths, open green space, and a relaxing lake view that makes it perfect for a stroll or just unwinding.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“Waubonsie Lake Park – Review Waubonsie Lake Park is a beautiful natural spot ideal for outdoor lovers.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 9 mentions

“It features serene lake views, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it perfect for family outings or peaceful nature walks.”

My husband and I use to go here together all the time!! He passed away!! Now im enjoying this all over again!! Great scenery!! Peaceful!! I just love to walk this trail!!! Just got back walking again!! This place is just beautiful and relaxing!! Absolutely love walking this trail!! You got to try it!!

★★★★★ — Vena , Jun 2024

Gorgeous walking path and the people we run into are always very nice! We bring our little dog with us and she loves seeing all of the other dogs. There's not too much in regard to shade except a short quarter mile or so on the short loop but it's still a nice walk and I don't get eaten alive by mosquitoes which is…

★★★★★ — K , Aug 2021

Wonderful park with beautiful walking path around the lake. Lovely view of some very nice homes and beautiful gardens. The dam at one end of the lake is crossable and kids love are fascinated by it. You won't be disappointed.

★★★★★ — Andrew , Aug 2025

Just amazing 😍 didn’t expected this one to be this beautiful park. It was all of sudden plan to visit there as it was our marriage anniversary. Today the weather was so good , it was such a nice lake. We went there with a family , kids played nicely in a playground. There is a little sand area for kids to play.

★★★★☆ — Nivi , Sep 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 914 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 16 mentions

“Nice rest areas, barbecue place, nice views, and a cool pass from one side of the river to the other side.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 8 mentions

“It features serene lake views, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it perfect for family outings or peaceful nature walks.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 5 mentions

“Waubonsie Lake Park features a really nice paved trail that circles the lake, and it also connects to other nearby parks if you want to increase your distance.”

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🔁 Loop trail 4 mentions

“There's not too much in regard to shade except a short quarter mile or so on the short loop but it's still a nice walk and I don't get eaten alive by mosquitoes which is nice!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“I also really appreciate that they provide plastic bags for dog waste, which makes it convenient for pet owners and helps keep the park clean.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Also has a nice bike trail, fly a kite, so many things to do nice and close to home, porta potty near by, fishing is not bad, come and check it out, it wont disappoint.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Even has public restrooms with water fountains.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Waubonsie Lake Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms, water — 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.
  • Websitefoxvalleyparkdistrict.org
  • Phone(630) 897-0516
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday 9 AM–9 PM
Sunday 9 AM–9 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 Waubonsie Lake Park

Waubonsie Lake Park, 998 Kautz Rd, Aurora, IL 60504

Get directions

Running trails near Aurora

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

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This large marsh with lake offers wildlife viewing, fishing, picnic areas, a boat launch & trails.

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Lake Paterson Trail

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Wheatlands Park

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Park offering skateboarding, basketball and soccer areas, plus a playground and picnic tables.

1.4 miles away

Spring Lake Park

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Scenic

Waterfront green space with baseball & soccer fields, walking trails, picnic areas & a playground.

2.0 miles away

Ogden Falls Park

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Park with kid-friendly features, including a playground and a basketball court.

2.4 miles away

Farmington Lakes Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 13 reviews

Oswego, IL

3.3 miles away

All running trails in Aurora, 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.