C. Kelly Franson Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
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Summary
Kelly Franson Park is a scenic park located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It is an ideal location for nature lovers, hikers, and bird watchers. The park is spread over an area of 65 acres and is home to a range of wildlife, such as deer, coyote, and turkeys. The park has a large pond that attracts Canadian geese and ducks, making it an ideal spot for bird watching.
A highlight of the park is its beautiful walking trails that wind through the woods and around the pond. The trails are well-maintained and offer great views of the park's scenic beauty. The park also has a playground area, picnic tables, and a pavilion that can be rented for events.
One of the most interesting facts about the park is that it was named after C. Kelly Franson, who was a prominent conservationist and environmentalist. He was instrumental in preserving the natural beauty of the area and was a strong advocate for environmental protection.
The best time of year to visit C. Kelly Franson Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. During the summer months, the park can get quite crowded, so it is best to visit during the weekdays or early in the morning on weekends.
Overall, C. Kelly Franson Park is a beautiful and peaceful location to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. It is a must-visit location for anyone interested in hiking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
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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.
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