Summerlakes Park
Rate this placeNearby: Cynthia Park Sesqui Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Summerlakes Park is a picturesque destination located in the state of Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Situated near the town of Warrenville, this park offers a range of attractions and activities that appeal to visitors of all ages.
One compelling reason to visit Summerlakes Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park boasts a serene lake and lush greenery, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy picnicking near the waterfront, fishing, or taking leisurely walks along the scenic trails.
A notable point of interest within the park is the Summerlakes Nature Preserve, which spans around 15 acres. This preserve is home to various wildlife species and offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing native plants. Additionally, visitors can explore the preserve's educational trails and learn about the local ecosystem.
Another fascinating aspect of Summerlakes Park is its historical significance. The park is adjacent to the Illinois Prairie Path, a former railway line turned into a recreational trail. This path played a crucial role in the transportation of goods during the early 1900s. Today, it serves as a popular route for hiking, biking, and walking enthusiasts.
Visitors to Summerlakes Park can also enjoy its well-maintained amenities. The park provides playgrounds for children, sports fields for athletic activities, and ample space for family gatherings or community events. Moreover, the park hosts seasonal events like concerts and festivals, adding an extra layer of entertainment and vibrancy.
As for the best time to visit Summerlakes Park, it largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. During the spring and summer months, the park blooms with colorful flowers and offers pleasant weather for outdoor pursuits. This period is ideal for picnics, fishing, and exploring the nature preserve. Autumn is equally captivating, as the foliage transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant hues. Winter months, on the other hand, offer a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
To ensure the accuracy of this summary, it is recommended to verify the information across multiple independent sources such as official park websites, travel guides, or local tourism boards.
Weather Forecast
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
Cynthia Park
Sesqui Park
Roy C Blackwell Forest Preserve
Manville Oaks Park
Cerny Park
Lacey Creek
Whalon Lake
Barth Pond