George Ball Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

George Ball Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Illinois.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are plenty of reasons to visit this park, including its serene environment and plethora of activities. The park includes a playground, a pavilion, and plenty of open space for picnics and games. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the nearby lake or hiking through the park's trails.

One of the main points of interest in George Ball Park is the lake, which is stocked with fish and offers a great opportunity for fishing. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. In addition, the park is home to several species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.

Interesting facts about George Ball Park include its history as a former quarry site and its role as a popular spot for community events such as picnics, concerts, and festivals. The park is named after George Ball, a local businessman and philanthropist who helped fund its development.

The best time of year to visit George Ball Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round and offers opportunities for winter activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.

Overall, George Ball Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience in Illinois. With its beautiful lake, hiking trails, and wildlife, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this 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