Governor Small Memorial Park
Rate this placeNearby: Jeffers Park Bird Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Governor Small Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
It is situated in the city of Kankakee, and it spans over 200 acres of land. The park is named after the former Governor of Illinois, Lennington Small, and it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main reasons to visit Governor Small Memorial Park is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park has a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along one of the many trails in the park or go fishing in the Kankakee River.
There are many points of interest to see in Governor Small Memorial Park. One of the most popular attractions is the Kankakee River State Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. Another interesting feature of the park is the historic Kankakee Railroad Museum, which houses exhibits on the history of railroading in the area.
Interesting facts about the park include its role in the Underground Railroad, as it was a key stop for escaping slaves on their journey to freedom. Additionally, the park was once home to a Native American settlement, and artifacts from this time period can still be found in the area.
The best time of year to visit Governor Small Memorial Park is in the spring or summer, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can see an array of wildflowers, including bluebells, trillium, and Virginia bluebells, as well as many species of migratory birds.
In conclusion, Governor Small Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and history of Illinois. With its diverse landscapes, interesting points of interest, and rich history, it is sure to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for all who visit.
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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
Jeffers Park
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Levasseur Park
Old Fair Park