Hanrahan Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hanrahan Park is a popular recreational area located in Cook County, Illinois.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a 24-acre park that offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is considered one of the best places to visit in the Chicago area.

One of the main points of interest at Hanrahan Park is its lake. The lake is stocked with fish and is a great place for fishing enthusiasts to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Additionally, the park features a playground, picnic areas, and a trail that leads to the Tinley Creek Woods Forest Preserve.

Another interesting fact about Hanrahan Park is that it was named after former Cook County Commissioner, John Hanrahan. The park was established in the 1970s, and its development was funded in part by federal and state grants.

The best time of year to visit Hanrahan Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and the many species of birds that call the park home.

In summary, Hanrahan Park is a beautiful recreational area that offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and points of interest. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, or picnicking, this park has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to Illinois, make sure to add Hanrahan Park to your list of must-visit places.

       

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