ESPAÑOL
Updated 2 days ago
Close
  • Closed
    Singletrack
    .5 • Bike - Mountain bike, Hybrid, BMX
    Closed until Spring
  • Closed
    Small Jump Line
    .2 • Bike - BMX, Dirt Jumper, Mountain Bike
    Closed until Spring
  • Closed
    Medium Jump Line
    .2 • Bike - BMX, Dirt Jumper, Mountain Bike
    Closed until Spring
  • Closed
    Large Jump Line
    .2 • Bike - Advanced BMX, Dirt Jumper
    Closed until Spring
  • Open
    Asphalt Pump Track
    .3 • Bike - BMX, Dirt Jumper, Mountain Bike
Updated 2 days ago
Close
Hours of operation for the park:
Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Monday-Friday: Dawn to Dusk
Saturday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ford Calumet Environmental Center Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Big Marsh Outfitter (bike rental):
Closed for season. Soft open in April.
Location:
11555 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
Phone Numbers:
Ford Calumet Environmental Center: 312-590-5993
-Scheduling school field trips, community outings, and volunteer events
Bike Shop: 773-673-9030
-Bike rentals and trail conditions
Park Supervisor: Stephen Bell
Friends of Big Marsh Contact: Paul Fitzgerald

Big Marsh is a piece of land whose history tells the story of the Midwest, an exciting example of eco-recreation in urban areas, a centerpiece of the ongoing economic development in the southeast side of Chicago, and more!

This 299-acre park is in the South Deering Community Area on the southeast side of the city. It is part of an area commonly known as the Calumet Area Reserve. From fort-building and bug-catching to birding and BMX bike jump lines, there is something for all ages, interests, and abilities. Roughly 45 acres are developed for eco-recreation opportunities including mountain bike single-track courses, pump tracks, and paved bike trails. Other acreage is reserved for more passive recreation such as birding and nature observation. All acreage is being developed to protect or further enhance the overall natural habitat of the park property including sensitivity to flora, fauna, and wetlands.

Visitors can learn more about the Southeast Side’s rich cultural and natural history by paying a visit to the Ford Calumet Environmental Center.

Upcoming Events

All Events

Big Marsh isn’t done yet – check out our vision for the the next phase of construction!

In the last two years, Big Marsh has seen the opening of new asphalt pump tracks, the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, and nearly 4 miles of multi-use and single track trails!

“Friends…” Trails & Connections campaign will create the most exciting gravity trails in the city and connect regional bikeways from the Pullman National Monument District to the William Powers State Recreation Area at Wolf Lake.

View Full Plans