Gillette Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a great place to visit, with many reasons to go. One of the main attractions is the park's beautiful scenery. The park is home to a number of hiking trails, which wind through stunning forests and meadows. There are also many picnic areas, fishing spots, and campsites scattered throughout the park.

One of the specific points of interest in Gillette Park is the historic bridge that spans the Little Wabash River. This bridge is over 100 years old and is a beautiful spot to stop and take in the scenery. There is also a large lake in the park, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was once the site of a Native American village. Additionally, the park is home to a number of rare plant and animal species.

The best time of year to visit Gillette Park is in the summer and fall, when the weather is warm and the leaves are changing colors. However, the park is open year-round and has activities and attractions to enjoy in every season.

Overall, Gillette Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Illinois. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is the perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

       

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