Bear River Greenway
Parks Menu
Bear River Greenway Corridor
At the heart of Evanston, The Bear River Greenway is a recreational playground running along the Bear River right through the heart of Evanston, WY. This trail system includes 6 miles of paved pathways, and another 10 miles of dirt trails and bike trails that provide for advanced and/or novice bicycle riders.
Hike along the riverside trails or just relax and enjoy the Bear Ponds, Bear Meadows, and Pavilions. The Greenway is a recreational playground in the heart of our City.
Greenway Map
Better Environment and River (B.E.A.R.) Project
The Mission of the Better Environment and River Project is to “Develop the Bear River as a Natural and Culture Focal Point for the Community”
The Bear River Greenway originated in 1983 as the B.E.A.R. (Better River and Environment) Project to develop the Bear River as a natural and cultural focal point of the community. The Greenway is the result of a dynamic partnership between the B.E.A.R. Project, the City of Evanston, the Evanston Parks & Recreation District, and the Bear River State Park.
Bear Paw Trailhead
Access to the Bear River for tubing and kayaking on the “Bear Paw” rapids. You can also access the Greenway’s main trail by crossing “Debbie’s Bridge”
Bear Community Center & Pavilion
Located along the Bear River Greenway and overlooking the Ice Pond, the Community Center is available to rent and is the ideal setting for group functions and events. The Community Center includes internet access, a multi-purpose room, warming kitchen, and picnic shelter located along the Bear River Greenway overlooking the BEAR Ice Pond. Available to rent for private events.
Bear Meadows
The Bear Meadows area provides additional open space for activities and outdoor recreation activities, including youth sports field area, picnic shelters, Tot park playground, physical fitness exercise stations, amphitheater stage area, restrooms, and additional parking. The Bear Meadows will also make it possible to hold larger existing and future concerts, festivals, and special events. Bear Meadows will not be allocated to any specific event or sport but will be configurable to a variety of needs and demands of the community.
Bear Parkway Memorial Tree Grove
” A Place to be Remembered”
Memorialize a deceased loved one in the Memorial Tree Grove located adjacent to the BEAR Community Center, near the banks of Bear River.
Bear Tales Fire Circle
The “Bear Tales” Fire Circle was built by the Evanston Rotary Club and dedicated in September of 2005 as a Rotary International Centennial Service Project, to celebrate 100 years of Rotary’s “Service Above Self”. The Fire Circle is located on the Bear River Greenway main trail between the Debbie’s Bridge access to the Bear Paw Trailhead and Red Bridge. It serves as an outdoor classroom and amphitheater with a fire pit. The Fire Circle is available for private and public use by school groups, service groups, scout groups, performing arts groups, and for community events. To reserve the “Bear Tales” Fire Circle call the Evanston Recreation Center at 307-789-1770.
Rotary Health Trail
Built by the Evanston Rotary Club, the Rotary Health Trail is a 14 station fitness course along the Bear River Greenway main trail from the entryway at Bear Meadows. Available for the community use.
Bear River Greenway Adopt-a-Trail Sponsors
