Gartner Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gartner Park is a scenic park located in the state of Illinois that offers visitors a variety of activities and points of interest to explore.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for fishing and picnicking.

Some of the top points of interest in Gartner Park include the beautiful Lake Gartner, which is home to a variety of fish species, as well as a playground and picnic area for families. Visitors can also explore the park's many trails, which wind through wooded areas and open fields, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former quarry, which has left behind unique rock formations and cliffs for visitors to admire. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and other small animals.

The best time of year to visit Gartner Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the park's many outdoor activities and take in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Overall, Gartner Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Illinois. With its beautiful lake, scenic trails, and unique rock formations, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this peaceful and picturesque park.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks