Graf Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Graf Park is a popular destination in the state of Illinois, located in the city of Belleville.


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Summary

The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and more. One of the main points of interest in the park is the lake, which is home to various species of fish and provides opportunities for fishing and boating.

Other notable features of Graf Park include a nature preserve, an arboretum, and a disc golf course. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.

Interesting facts about Graf Park include its history as a former landfill site, which was transformed into a beautiful public space through a collaborative effort between the city and the community. The park is also home to several rare plant species, including the American Chestnut, which is being preserved and propagated by the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department.

The best time of year to visit Graf Park depends on personal preferences and the activities one wishes to engage in. Spring and summer are popular seasons for hiking, fishing, and outdoor events, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures for nature walks. Winter brings opportunities for ice fishing and snowshoeing, as well as holiday-themed events.

Overall, Graf Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful and well-maintained setting.

       

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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.
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