High Ridge Park
Rate this placeNearby: Thiele Park Cerran Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
High Ridge Park is a beautiful natural park located in the state of Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park attracts visitors due to its tranquil surroundings and the many recreational activities it offers. The park features a large lake that is perfect for fishing, a playground for children, picnic areas for families, and plenty of hiking trails.
There are many specific points of interest to see when visiting High Ridge Park. The park is known for its scenic views, which are especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors. Visitors can also explore the many wildlife habitats in the park, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. The park is also home to many species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Interesting facts about the area include that the land was donated by the famous millionaire and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald in 1928. The park is also home to the High Ridge Trail, which is a popular hiking destination in the area. The trail is over four miles long and takes visitors through some of the most beautiful areas of the park.
The best time of year to visit High Ridge Park is during the fall when the leaves change colors. The park is also a popular destination during the summer months when visitors can enjoy the lake and other recreational activities. The park is open year-round, so visitors can explore the beauty of the area any time of year.
In conclusion, High Ridge Park in Illinois is a beautiful natural park that offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities, scenic views, and interesting points of interest. Whether you are looking to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the natural surroundings, High Ridge Park is definitely worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
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
Thiele Park
Cerran Park
Hainesworth Park
Robin Hood Park
Bemis Woods North
Barth Pond
Lacey Creek
Maple Lake
Axehead Lake