Palmisano Park Trails

The pawesome Palmisano Park Trails in Chicago, Illinois include 17 miles of paths that cut through, around, and into the Palmisano Park. They include concrete paths, wooden boardwalks, a gravel jogging track, and even metal tracks that pass over water features, grassland, and prairies of gorgeous native flowers. Although the trails can be considered separate, they are all connected by the park itself and are dog furiendly. While some of the trails are in a loop, others are spurs or connectors, so you can customize your adventure.

Water is the main feature of some of the trails, with a boardwalk and pier that takes you out over the fishing pond in the corner of the park. There is also a giant fountain at the entrance on Halsted Street. According to the park website, the boardwalk, pier, and most of the “wooden” boardwalk are made of recycled plastic that is shaped and designed to look like wood. In fact, much of the park is made of recycled materials, even the steps that go to the top of the mound. 

The mound is Mount Bridgeport, which is only 33 feet above street level, and is made from debris and construction such as old sidewalk and concrete. From the top of the mound, you and your canine companion can see the Chicago skyline including the Willis Tower, Sears Tower, the AT&T Center, Chase Tower, and the Heritage as well as the Chicago River. 

The furrific fishing pond has plenty of fish you and Fido can try to catch, or you can sit on one of the stone walls or benches and people watch. Crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bass are caught by the dozen here almost every day. The pond is self-sustained by a water system along the path that collects rainwater and feeds it back into the pond. 

Be sure to pack any essentials for a pawrific day out with your pup, including clean-up bags and water to share.

There's so much to explore and see along these trails, you and your pooch will want to come back again and again!