Lee And Grant Park

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Parks

Illinois

Nearby: Hoopers Hollow Park Doerhoefer Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lee and Grant Park is a historic site located in southwest Illinois that commemorates the locations of two major Civil War battles.

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Summary

The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore these battlegrounds and learn about the significant events that occurred there.

One of the main reasons to visit Lee and Grant Park is to experience the rich history and culture of the area. The park is home to several monuments and markers that commemorate the battles of Lee's surrender at Appomattox and the Union victory at Chattanooga. Visitors can also explore the historic buildings and exhibits at the park's visitor center.

Some specific points of interest to see at Lee and Grant Park include the Grant's Headquarters and the Confederate Cemetery. These landmarks provide a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the soldiers who fought in these battles.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was named after two of the most famous generals of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. Additionally, the park was the site of the largest battle fought in Illinois during the Civil War.

The best time of year to visit Lee and Grant Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is on full display. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and events throughout the year.

Overall, Lee and Grant Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history and the Civil War. With its rich historical significance, beautiful natural scenery, and diverse array of attractions, the park 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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