Fox River Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fox River Park is a popular outdoor destination located in the state of Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting with a variety of activities and attractions. Some of the top reasons to visit Fox River Park include hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also features playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic river views.
One of the main points of interest in Fox River Park is the Fox River Trail, a 44-mile paved trail that runs through the park and along the Fox River. The trail is popular for hiking, biking, and jogging, and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Other points of interest in Fox River Park include the Hawk’s Bluff Nature Preserve, a 275-acre nature preserve that features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. The park also includes several picnic areas, a boat launch, and a disc golf course.
Interesting facts about Fox River Park include its history as a former site of Native American settlements and its designation as a National Natural Landmark due to its unique geological features. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.
The best time of year to visit Fox River Park depends on the visitor’s interests. Spring and summer are popular times for outdoor activities and events, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures for hiking and nature walks. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Overall, Fox River Park in Illinois is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its scenic trails, natural beauty, and diverse attractions, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.
Weather Forecast
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Mud Lake West
|
||
North Branch Conservation Area (cyclists only)
|
||
Fourth Lake Resort campsite
|
Schmalfeldt Park
County of Kenosha Fairgrounds
New Munster Wildlife Area
Lance Park
Senior Citizens Park