What is Black Bear Park like?
Set in Hoffman Estates, Black Bear Park has been on the PDGA course list since 2006. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 6,012 ft — an average of about 334 feet a hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Black Bear Park?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Black Bear Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Black Bear Park
Hoffman Estates, IL — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Black Bear Park
More disc golf near Hoffman Estates
Black Bear Park is the only PDGA-listed course in Hoffman Estates, but Illinois has 287 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Black Bear Park?
Black Bear Park has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,012 ft, averaging about 334 feet per hole.
Is Black Bear Park free to play?
Yes. Black Bear Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Black Bear Park good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Black Bear Park?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Black Bear Park located?
Black Bear Park is in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, at coordinates 42.05374, -88.22960. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Black Bear Park?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.