Ten important skateboard spots in Dekalb, Illinois
1. DeKalb Skate Park
DeKalb Skate Park is the city’s primary hub for skateboarders and a must-visit for anyone looking to skate in the area. Located in Hopkins Park, this skatepark is well-maintained and designed to cater to skaters of all skill levels. It features a mix of ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls, providing ample opportunities for practicing various tricks. The open layout encourages creativity, while the smooth concrete surface ensures a seamless skating experience.
Why It's Great:
- Variety of obstacles
- Central location
- Friendly skateboarding community
2. Northern Illinois University (NIU) Campus
The NIU campus is a hidden gem for skateboarders, offering numerous spots scattered across its grounds. The wide-open spaces, smooth pathways, and architectural elements like stairs, handrails, and ledges make it a prime location for street skating. While security can sometimes be a concern, respectful and discreet skating is often tolerated in less busy areas.
Key Spots on Campus:
- The MLK Commons for ledges and stair sets
- The Engineering Building's smooth surfaces and manual pads
- The Lagoon area for flatground practice
3. Downtown DeKalb
Downtown DeKalb blends urban charm with skateboarding potential. The area features a mix of stair sets, handrails, and ledges, along with textured sidewalks that provide unique challenges. Spots like Palmer Court and the brick-paved areas near local businesses are particularly popular. Skating downtown also offers the chance to enjoy DeKalb's vibrant atmosphere and connect with other skaters.
Why It's Great:
- Urban aesthetic
- Variety of terrains
- Easy access to local amenities
4. Huntley Middle School
Huntley Middle School is a favorite among local skaters due to its versatile architecture. The school grounds include stair sets, rails, ledges, and curbs, perfect for practicing technical tricks. The spacious parking lots provide ample flatground space for beginners, while the rails and stair sets attract advanced skaters.
Best Features:
- Mix of obstacles
- Quiet during weekends and holidays
- Smooth concrete surfaces
5. Kishwaukee College Campus
Located just a short drive from DeKalb, Kishwaukee College is another excellent spot for skateboarders. Its modern architecture includes handrails, staircases, and low ledges, making it a versatile skating location. The campus is usually quiet outside of school hours, offering a peaceful environment for skaters to practice without distractions.
Why It's Worth the Drive:
- Unique architectural elements
- Minimal foot traffic after hours
- Scenic surroundings
6. Prairie Park
Prairie Park is more than just a green space; it’s a versatile skate spot with several hidden gems for skaters to discover. The park's pathways are smooth and ideal for cruising, while features like benches and low ledges provide opportunities for tricks. The serene environment makes it a relaxing spot for casual skaters or those looking to escape the urban hustle.
Highlights:
- Smooth pathways
- Natural beauty
- Perfect for casual skating
7. Ellwood House Museum
The Ellwood House Museum, surrounded by picturesque gardens and historic buildings, might seem like an unusual choice for skating. However, the area around the museum features smooth sidewalks, low steps, and ledges that appeal to street skaters. While the museum itself is a historical site, the surrounding public spaces provide a unique blend of history and skateboarding.
Why It's Unique:
- Blend of history and skating
- Quiet and scenic
- Great for filming
8. Lions Park
Lions Park is another community park that doubles as a casual skate spot. The park’s paved pathways are ideal for cruising, while the benches and low ledges offer opportunities for technical tricks. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for young or beginner skaters to learn the basics.
Best Features:
- Family-friendly environment
- Wide-open spaces
- Beginner-friendly obstacles
9. Peace Road Industrial Area
For skaters seeking a more rugged and industrial vibe, the Peace Road industrial area offers unique challenges. This area features abandoned loading docks, rails, and stair sets, providing a gritty backdrop for urban skating. While it’s essential to be cautious and respectful of private property, the industrial area is a favorite for advanced skaters looking to push their limits.
Why It Appeals to Advanced Skaters:
- Industrial aesthetic
- Challenging obstacles
- Secluded location
10. East Lincoln Highway Bridge
The East Lincoln Highway Bridge is a lesser-known but exciting spot for skaters who enjoy transitions and drops. The bridge's smooth concrete and sloped edges make it ideal for creative tricks and lines. While traffic and pedestrians can be concerns, off-peak hours provide a great opportunity to enjoy this unique spot.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Transition-friendly slopes
- Unique design
- Scenic views of the surrounding area
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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