Home › Illinois › Kankakee › Willowhaven Park
Willowhaven Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 269 Google reviews · Running trail in Kankakee, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Willowhaven 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.
Nature destination featuring trails, a dog park, a nature center and a playground.
What runners say about Willowhaven Park
“The County or City that keeps this facility as clean as it is.”
“They made an outdoor rock seating area in a half circle which would be beautiful for an outdoor wedding if allowed.”
“This facility is a hidden treasure for peace and quiet, with a country feel.”
“Also dog friendly, which is wonderful and come here often to exercise, walk the dog and enjoy the peaceful enviorment.”
We come here for the Dog Park. It’s very “clean” and well kept. It seems as though all of the other patrons follow the rules and make the experience is great for everyone. There’s some room for improvement, but it would be petty suggestions. It’s really a fantastic place for our area.
A delightful, peaceful and clean environment. There were healthy trees, bushes, flowers, unique butterflies, pond water, decks, walking trail, benches, picnic spots, kiddy park, and no crowd. A discovery! I even saw a beautiful stork. It was a treat on a sunny summer day. The nature center was welcoming.
We had a very nice day!! The Fall Colors are so beautiful right now. The trails are nice and the dog park area too.
This facility is a hidden treasure for peace and quiet, with a country feel. Going there brings back childhood memories of living on the farm. The County or City that keeps this facility as clean as it is. My hats off to you. There are new playgrounds for the kids to play. 2 large dog parks, clean walking paths.
Trail conditions & character
“Wonderful prairie park with a walking trail, pond, playground, nature center, disc golf, dog park, workout stations, and more.”
“They made an outdoor rock seating area in a half circle which would be beautiful for an outdoor wedding if allowed.”
“This facility is a hidden treasure for peace and quiet, with a country feel.”
“1 miles around the loop, so ideal for a quick stretch of the legs!”
“The bathrooms outside the nature center are amazing for a park, and the staff inside the nature center are exceptionally helpful and nice.”
Plan your run at Willowhaven Park
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebtpd.org
- Phone(815) 933-9905
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Kankakee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Waldron Arboretum
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Bourbonnais Township Park District
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Perry Farm Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,417 reviews
Vast park with fields, trails & riverside caves, plus a children's museum & a historic farmhouse.
