Comlara Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Comlara Park is a 273-acre park located in McLean County, Illinois, just 10 miles north of Bloomington.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a day of fun and relaxation. There are numerous reasons to visit Comlara Park, including its beautiful natural setting, varied recreational opportunities, and many amenities.

One of the main points of interest within the park is the Comlara County Park Lake, a 130-acre lake that provides excellent fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Visitors can rent boats and other watercraft from the park's marina, or bring their own and launch from one of the park's two boat ramps. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels.

Other popular activities within the park include hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 6 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes through wooded areas and along the lake shore. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park, as well as two campgrounds offering both RV and tent camping options.

Comlara Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, raccoons, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers will want to keep an eye out for the park's resident bald eagles, which can often be seen soaring over the lake.

One interesting fact about Comlara Park is that it was created in the 1970s as part of a project to control flooding in the area. The park's lake was formed by damming Clear Creek, which had previously caused significant flooding in the surrounding communities. Today, the park provides not only flood control, but also a beautiful natural setting for outdoor recreation.

The best time of year to visit Comlara Park depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is the most popular time for swimming, boating, and fishing, while fall is a great time for hiking and enjoying the changing leaves. Winter brings the opportunity for ice fishing and cross-country skiing, and spring is a great time for bird watching and wildflower viewing.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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