Barbara Key Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Barbara Key Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Illinois, offering visitors a tranquil natural setting with plenty of activities to enjoy.
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Summary
The park is situated in the village of Burr Ridge, a suburb of Chicago, and covers an area of around 25 acres.
There are several good reasons to visit Barbara Key Park. One of the main attractions is its beautiful scenery, which includes rolling hills, scenic trails, and lush greenery. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in Barbara Key Park include its picturesque pond, which is perfect for fishing or simply relaxing by the water. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and several miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.
Interesting facts about Barbara Key Park include its history as a former estate belonging to the Key family, who donated the land to the village of Burr Ridge in 1964. Since then, the park has been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
The best time of year to visit Barbara Key Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is also beautiful during the fall and winter seasons, with colorful foliage and snow-covered trails providing a unique and memorable experience.
Overall, Barbara Key Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the natural beauty of Illinois. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an active adventure, this park has something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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