Hickory Meadows Park
Rate this placeNearby: Walk Park Hasbrook Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hickory Meadows Park is a 76-acre park located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching. It is situated on the banks of the Kishwaukee River, which provides a scenic backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
One of the main attractions of Hickory Meadows Park is its extensive trail system. The park has over two miles of natural trails that wind through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The trails are open year-round and provide visitors with the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.
Another popular feature of Hickory Meadows Park is its fishing opportunities. The park has a stocked pond that is open to anglers year-round. The pond is home to a variety of fish species, including bluegill, bass, and catfish.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Hickory Meadows Park also has some interesting historical significance. The park is located on the site of an old gravel quarry that was used for road construction in the early 1900s. The park's trails wind through the remnants of the quarry, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
The best time of year to visit Hickory Meadows Park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Overall, Hickory Meadows Park is a great destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its beautiful natural setting, diverse recreational opportunities, and interesting historical significance, it is definitely worth a 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.
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