Lyman Woods State Natural Area

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Parks

Illinois

Nearby: Orchard Brook Park Highland & 39th Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lyman Woods State Natural Area is a 150-acre nature preserve located in the state of Illinois.

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Summary

The area is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and savannas. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

There are several points of interest within Lyman Woods State Natural Area, including a boardwalk that takes visitors through a wetland and a restored prairie. The park is also home to several species of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and hawks. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and foxes.

Interesting facts about Lyman Woods State Natural Area include its history as a farm before being acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1989. The area is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Blanding's turtle and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

The best time of year to visit Lyman Woods State Natural Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours and educational programs offered by the park throughout the year.

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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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