James Knox Park
Rate this placeNearby: Klapp Park Standish Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
James Knox Park is a public park located in the state of Illinois, in the city of Morris.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its beautiful wildlife, scenic trails, and well-maintained facilities. One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the large fishing pond, which is stocked with a variety of fish species. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking through the many trails that wind through the park's wooded areas.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. There are several playgrounds throughout the park, as well as a large, well-maintained baseball field. The park also hosts several annual events, including outdoor concerts and festivals.
Visitors to James Knox Park can also take advantage of the many amenities that the park has to offer. There are several picnic areas throughout the park, as well as a pavilion that can be rented for larger events. Restrooms and showers are also available on site.
Interesting facts about James Knox Park include its history as a former coal mining site, as well as its designation as a natural area for the preservation of native plant and animal species. The park is also home to several rare bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The best time of year to visit James Knox Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park's flora and fauna are in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of seasonal activities, such as ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
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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.
Related References
Klapp Park
Standish Park
Lake Storey Park