Max Atkin Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Max Atkin Park is located in the state of Illinois and is a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor activities.


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Summary

The park is named after Max Atkin, a World War II veteran who served in Europe. The park covers an area of 120 acres and is located just outside of the city of McLeansboro.

One of the main reasons to visit Max Atkin Park is the abundance of outdoor activities available. The park is home to a lake that provides opportunities for fishing and boating. There are also several hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Specific points of interest in the park include the Max Atkin Memorial, which features a statue of Atkin and a plaque honoring his service. The park also has several picnic areas, a playground, and a disc golf course.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former coal mine site. The park was created after the mine closed and the land was reclaimed for recreational use. Additionally, the park is home to several species of wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys.

The best time of year to visit Max Atkin Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Visitors should be aware that the park is closed during the winter months due to inclement weather.

Overall, Max Atkin Park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and points of interest to explore. It is a great destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

       

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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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