Grant Park is an 222-acre natural area. Trails in the park lead along creeks and through meadow, forest, prairie and wetland habitats. The trails are of varying difficulty; some follow ridgelines or bottomlands, while others climb fairly steep hills. Two fire rings, located at the Chimneys and behind the Grant Nature Center, are available for reservations. Campfires are allowed by permit only. For the safety of park visitors, bicycles are not permitted on the trails and all pets must be on a leash. Parking is available at Normandy Elementary School on Normandy Ridge Road, Hadley Watts Middle School on McEwen Road, and at Kennard Nature Nook on McEwen Road. Play equipment is located at the Grant's Trail entrance to the park.
Plan your visit
- Park type
- Nature
- Acres
- 222.48
- Location
- 501 Normandy Ridge Road; Kennard Nature Nook - 6588 McEwen Road; 616 Grant's Trail
- Hours
- The park is open during daylight hours.
What is here
- AED
- Fire Circles
- Hiking Trails
- Natural Areas
- Natural Play Areas
- Nature Literature Trails
- Paved Trails
- Sled Hills
- Water Feature - Stream or Wetland
Park history
How this park came to be
When the Park District was formed in 1959, the commissioners had their eye on the area surrounding Hole's Creek as a nature reserve.
Programs at Grant Park
5 programs
Adult Wellness
- Dates
- 10/14/2026 - 11/18/2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
- Where
- Grant Park - Nature Nook
Get it all in one fitness class — a challenging workout and functional movement for vitality and longevity. This class is designed to maintain strength, mobility and power at an advanced level, regardless of your age. This is accomplished through a focus on grip strength, speed, balance, and building muscle. Exercises are also designed to improve breath work and fascia alongside joint and heart health. Due to the incorporation of a full range of exercises from calisthenics to long holds and deep stretches, prior exercise experience is highly recommended. Taught by Dan Loofboro. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 12
Register now →Adult Wellness
- Dates
- 11/5/2026 - 12/17/2026
- Time
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Where
- Grant Park - Nature Nook
Join us for a gentler, more adaptable yoga program. This class will feature additional guidance, modifications and props to assist in supporting postures and a slower pace. Taught by certified yoga instructor Kathleen Crosby. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 3
Register now →Adult Wellness
- Dates
- 10/15/2026 - 11/19/2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where
- Grant Park - Nature Nook
A welcoming, low-impact way to build strength, balance, and inner calm while learning a yang-style Tai Chi series. Designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels, this class introduces participants to the gentle, flowing movements of traditional Tai Chi, often called “meditation in motion", while also gaining insight to the martial aspects of the practice. Each session focuses on slow, intentional movement, mindful breathing and improved body awareness. This program is ideal for anyone looking for a calm, restorative form of exercise — no prior experience required. Movements can be adapted for different abilities.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 12
Register now →Children's Programs
- Dates
- 11/17/2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where
- Grant Park - Nature Nook
In this pumpkin-packed STEM class, kids will explore all things pumpkin through hands-on science experiments and tasty fall fun! From erupting pumpkin volcanoes to making pumpkin pie in a bag, participants will investigate, create, and discover as they dive into a variety of pumpkin-themed activities. Note: We will be making a tasty pumpkin treat to eat at this program. Please be sure to include any food allergy information for your child upon registration. No peanuts will be used; however other allergens may be present.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 11
Register now →Preschool Programs
- Dates
- 11/20/2026
- Time
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Where
- Grant Park - Nature Nook
Join Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling to make a turkey themed snack and then trek together around the meadow! Please note: This is not a drop off program, children are required to be accompanied by an adult. All major food allergens could be present in this class
Registration deadline: Sunday, November 15
Register now →All programs at this park →
Before you go
Check conditions first.
Ball diamonds and pitches close after rain. Field status is recorded daily, and the Park District’s own page carries access details, maps and rules.
