Hartfield Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hartfield Park is a popular recreational area located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

The park is well-known for its beautiful natural scenery, well-maintained trails, and various recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the park, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping.

One of the main attractions at Hartfield Park is its extensive trail system, which features over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails wind through forests, fields, and wetlands, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's diverse natural landscapes.

In addition to the trails, Hartfield Park also features several unique points of interest, including a butterfly garden, arboretum, and fishing pond. The butterfly garden is a particularly popular spot, attracting visitors with its colorful array of flowers and butterflies.

Another interesting fact about Hartfield Park is that it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey. Birdwatchers in particular will enjoy the park, which is home to over 100 different species of birds.

The best time of year to visit Hartfield Park depends on the visitor's preferences. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and biking, as the weather is mild and the trails are in good condition. Fall is a great time to visit for those who enjoy fall foliage, as the park's trees take on vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Winter is ideal for ice fishing and snowshoeing, but visitors should come prepared for cold temperatures.

Overall, Hartfield Park is a beautiful and diverse recreational area that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike, a family picnic, or a chance to spot some wildlife, Hartfield Park is definitely worth a visit.

       

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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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