Klehm Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Klehm Park is a beautiful park located in Rockford, Illinois.


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Summary

It is a 155-acre park that was opened in 1992. The park is known for its attractive gardens, trails, and natural setting. There are many good reasons to visit Klehm Park, including taking a stroll through the beautiful gardens, hiking through the trails, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

One of the most popular points of interest at Klehm Park is the Nancy Olson Children's Garden. This garden features a variety of fun and interactive exhibits that are designed to help children learn about nature. There is also a butterfly garden, a water feature, and a maze.

Another popular attraction at Klehm Park is the arboretum. This area is home to over 90 different species of trees and shrubs. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the arboretum and learn about the different plants and trees.

In addition to the gardens and arboretum, Klehm Park is home to several miles of hiking trails. These trails wind through the park's natural areas and offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.

Klehm Park is a great place to visit throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. Spring is a great time to check out the park's gardens, as the flowers are in full bloom. Fall is a great time to hike through the trails and see the changing colors of the trees.

Overall, Klehm Park is a must-visit destination in Illinois. With its beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and natural setting, it offers something for everyone.

       

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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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