George E Zearing Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
George E Zearing Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Illinois, which offers a range of activities and attractions to visitors.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is situated on a 66-acre land and is open year-round. There are several good reasons to visit this park, such as its scenic beauty, the various activities it offers, and the fact that it is family-friendly.
One of the main attractions of the park is its large lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, and other water activities. There are also several playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, making it a great spot for families and sports enthusiasts.
One of the specific points of interest in the park is the Zearing Stone Arch Bridge, which was constructed in 1916 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also has a memorial garden, a veteran's memorial, and an amphitheater, which hosts concerts and other events.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was named after George E. Zearing, a local business leader who donated the land for the park in 1905. The park has undergone several renovations over the years to enhance its facilities and features.
The best time to visit George E Zearing Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the lake is perfect for swimming and other water activities. However, the park is also open during the fall and winter months, and visitors can enjoy activities such as ice fishing and sledding.
In conclusion, George E Zearing Park is a beautiful and family-friendly park that offers a range of activities and attractions to visitors. With its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and various recreational facilities, it is an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
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
City County Park
Lake Depue State Conservation Area
Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve