Prairie Park Arboretum
Rate this placeNearby: Shipman Park Huntly Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Prairie Park Arboretum is located in the city of Urbana, Illinois and covers an area of 160 acres.
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Summary
It was established in 1977 and serves as a recreational area for the community. The arboretum contains a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and plants that are native to the Midwest region.
Visitors to Prairie Park Arboretum can explore the various hiking trails that wind through the park and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Some of the notable points of interest in the arboretum include the Sensory Garden, which features plants with unique textures and scents, and the Children's Garden, which provides a fun and interactive learning experience for kids.
Another interesting feature of Prairie Park Arboretum is the Wetland Boardwalk, which allows visitors to observe the wetland ecosystem and its inhabitants up close. The arboretum also has several picnic areas and a pavilion that can be reserved for events and gatherings.
The best time to visit Prairie Park Arboretum is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. In the spring, visitors can see the blooming wildflowers and trees, while in the fall, the changing leaves provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking and picnicking.
Overall, Prairie Park Arboretum offers a unique and tranquil outdoor experience for visitors of all ages and interests. Its diverse collection of plants and wildlife, along with its various recreational activities, make it a must-visit destination in the state of Illinois.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Shipman Park
Huntly Park
Sweet Park
Hallgren Park
Welh Park