Winter hours
6:00 am – 4:30 pm
November 15, 2025 – March 7, 2026
* daylight savings time begins 3/8/26
Spring hours
6:00 am – 8:00 pm
March 8 – May 31, 2026
Summer hours
6:00 am – 9:00 pm
June 1 – August 31, 2026
Fall hours
6:00 am – 8:00 pm
September 1 – November 15, 2026
* daylight savings time ends 11/1/26
CLOSED FOR SEASON – REOPENING MAY 2026
CONTACT PAUL (AT) BIGMARSH.ORG for hours and opportunities.
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.
Intro to MTB Camp is the perfect starting point for kids who are comfortable pedaling on two wheels and ready to venture off the pavement. Designed for ages 6 – 12, this camp teaches the fundamentals of safe and confident trail riding in a fun, welcoming environment.
Learning to ride doesn’t have to be hard! In this camp for ages 5–12, kids learn to balance and pedal independently without training wheels using our proven Balance First Method. Our certified coaches use games and challenges to build skills—and keep things fun!
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.
