Ingersoll Centennial Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ingersoll Centennial Park is a popular park located in the state of Illinois, USA.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is a great place to visit throughout the year, with plenty of things to see and do.

One of the main draws of the park is its beautiful natural setting. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Rock River. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Some of the specific points of interest within the park include the Veterans Memorial, which pays tribute to local veterans, and the Sinnissippi Dam and Hydroelectric Plant, which provides power for the surrounding area.

Visitors to Ingersoll Centennial Park can also learn about the history and culture of the area. The park is home to the Rockford Park District Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits, interactive displays, and live animal exhibits.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was named in honor of Robert Ingersoll, a prominent local politician and lawyer who was known for his advocacy of free thought and secularism.

The best time of year to visit Ingersoll Centennial Park depends on personal preferences. The park is beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color, and in the summer when many outdoor activities are available. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid the crowds.

       

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
View more

Featured Parks