Activities
Parks Menu
Outdoor Activities
There’s more to do in Evanston. Our system of trails, parks, and outdoor activities makes Evanston the ideal place for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to have year round fun and adventure.
Bear River Greenway
The Bear River Greenway is the perfect place to begin your outdoor adventure. Offering miles of trails, an outdoor fitness course, lush green grass fields and the Bear River Pond, the Bear River Greenway has something for everyone. Click here to learn more about the Greenway.
Fitness Course
The Rotary “Health Trail” Fitness Course is a 14 station course along the Bear River Greenway main trail from the entryway at Bear Meadows to Debbie’s Bridge (across from the Bear Paw Trailhead). The Health Trail provides self-directed fitness activities for each station for all ages abilities.
Boating
Evanston has boating options for every type of watersport enthusiast. Skiers and anglers can enjoy Sulphur Creek reservoir located just minutes south of town, while paddle sport fans can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Bear Pond and the Bear River.
Bear Pond Boat Rentals
June 5 – Aug 18
Boat Rentals: $10 per hour, $6 per half hour (Payment taken at Boat Docks. Cash or Check)
Children 11 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 16 years old or older.
Days/hours (weather permitting) Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Saturday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Private Group Rentals
$50 per hour, $30 each additional half hour.
Fee includes paddles and lifejackets. Minimum 1 hour rental. Reservations required a minimum of 7 days in advance. Note: If a private group desires to use the boats during a scheduled public rental time, regular rental rates will apply. Lifeguards are not on duty during boat rentals. Lifejackets required.
For more information and reservations call the Evanston Recreation Center at 307-789-1770, 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.
Payment is required at the time of reservation. No refunds. Credit will be given in the event of poor weather.
Cycling / Hiking
Trail Information
Trail Mileage – Main Paved Trail
2.3 miles Bear River Dr to end of Bear River St Park
2.0 miles Ice Ponds Parking Lot to end of Bear River State Park
1.0 miles Bear River Drive/Super 8 Motel to I-80 Overpass
1.3 miles I-80 Overpass to end of Bear River State Park
Trail Etiquette
Horses, Hikers, Bikers
The first thing that you need to know is that there is a hierarchy on the trial. Horses have priority,
followed by hikers, and then bikers. It’s pretty simple to remember and makes encounters much more pleasant when everyone knows who gets to go first. Always check to see what other kinds of travelers will be sharing the trail with you before you start. If horses or bikes are allowed, then be mentally prepared to encounter them.
When being passed by horses, it is important to step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. This helps in two ways: it will help keep from startling the horses, and it will keep you from getting run over if they do get spooked. Horses are prey animals, and as such, they are always on guard for threats from predators. Standing uphill from a horse may give it the impression that you are larger and more threatening than you actually are. So always try to stay downhill and stay relaxed. Talking to the rider also helps the horse know that you’re a human and not some mountain lion lying in wait. Horses also tend to bolt uphill when they are startled, so staying out of the way will keep you from getting squished.
Ride Open Trails
In the past, riders who played by the rules opened up the places we all love today. With so many open trails available, there’s no reason not to find one.
- Respect trail and road closures – if you’re unsure, ask a land manager.
- Don’t trespass on private land – get a permit or other required authorization.
- Never ride in areas protected as state or federal wilderness – it’s against the law.
Leave No Trace
The primal appeal of mud doesn’t justify a splatterfest that damages the underlying trailbed.
- Muddy trails are vulnerable to damage – consider other options if a trail is soft.
- Stay on existing trails – never create a new one.
- Don’t cut switchbacks.
- Pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Control Your Bike
Keep your head up and your adrenaline in check. When you see videos of riders seeming to defy the laws of physics, use them as inspiration to develop your skills.
- Obey all speed regulations and recommendations.
- Stay alert – inattention for even a moment can put yourself and others at risk.
- Always ride within your limits.
Yield Appropriately
Learn the rules below as well as the local rules, because conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions. You want every encounter to be a happy one.
- Always let other trail users know you’re coming – give a friendly greeting.
- Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.
- Yield to non-bike trail users (gently enlighten them if the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel).
- Yield to riders headed uphill whenever you’re riding downhill (gently enlighten them if the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic).
- Make every pass a safe and courteous one.
Stay to the Right, Pass on the Left
The trail is a lot like the road in this respect. Keep to the right side of the trail when you are being passed.
If you want to pass someone from behind, get his attention by shouting out “On your left.” However, you don’t need to be overly formal or gruff, and a friendly, “Hi there. Can I get around you?” works just as well.
Never Scare Animals
A frightened animal can be both vulnerable and dangerous. The only thing that keeps animals safe from you is you.
- Stay alert – animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise.
- Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you.
- Use special care when passing horses – follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain).
- Never disturb wildlife, cattle, or other domestic animals.
Additional Tips
Know your equipment, your ability, and how to properly prepare for the area where you’re riding.
Be self-sufficient – keep your equipment in good repair and carry supplies for changes in weather and other conditions.
Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.