Patrick Sullivan Park

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Parks

Illinois

Nearby: Williams Place Park Gaddis Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Patrick J.

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Summary

Sullivan Park is a popular destination located in the state of Illinois, offering visitors a range of exciting activities and attractions. One of the best reasons to visit the park is its beautiful natural setting, which is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors. The park is also home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Riverside Grist Mill and the popular Kankakee River.

Other points of interest at the park include the numerous picnic areas and playgrounds, as well as the hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the area's scenic beauty. There are also several fishing spots along the river, making this an ideal destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Interesting facts about Patrick J. Sullivan Park include the fact that it was named after a local hero who lost his life in the line of duty, and that the park has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts for over 50 years. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, fox, and numerous bird species.

The best time of year to visit Patrick J. Sullivan Park depends on personal preference, as the park offers different attractions and activities throughout the year. For example, the spring and summer months are ideal for hiking, picnicking, and fishing, while the fall is a great time to see the area's stunning fall foliage. Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing on the river and snowshoeing through the park's scenic trails.

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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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