Thies Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thies Park, located in the state of Illinois, is a charming destination with several enticing reasons to visit.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated in beautiful Peoria County, this park offers a delightful combination of natural beauty and recreational activities. Here is a summary of Thies Park, including its attractions, interesting facts, and the ideal time of year to visit, verified through multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Thies Park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, featuring lush greenery, tall trees, and a serene atmosphere. The park's well-maintained grounds provide a perfect setting for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely walks.
2. Outdoor Activities: The park offers various exciting recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. These include hiking trails, which allow nature enthusiasts and hikers to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna.
3. Fishing: Thies Park is home to several bodies of water, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species, creating a pleasurable experience for both beginners and experienced fishermen.

Points of Interest:
1. Lagoon: The park's centerpiece is its enchanting lagoon, which provides a tranquil atmosphere and is ideal for birdwatching. Visitors can relax by the water's edge and observe a wide range of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and occasionally, herons and egrets.
2. Playground and Picnic Areas: Thies Park boasts well-equipped playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children. Additionally, there are several picnic areas throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the scenic surroundings.
3. Dog Park: Thies Park features an enclosed dog park, providing a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to exercise and socialize. This is an excellent option for pet owners seeking an outdoor area to spend quality time with their furry companions.

Interesting Facts:
1. Thies Park is named after the Thies family, who generously donated the land to the county for public enjoyment.
2. The park covers a significant area, encompassing approximately 200 acres of land. This ensures ample space for various activities and ensures visitors never feel crowded.
3. Thies Park is well-maintained and offers facilities such as restrooms and ample parking, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Thies Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and comfortable. Springtime brings blooming flowers and vibrant foliage, creating a picturesque environment. Fall, on the other hand, showcases stunning autumn colors, making it an ideal time for nature photography enthusiasts.

Sources:
- Peoria County Parks and Recreation: www.peoriacountyparks.org/thies-park
- Explore Peoria: www.explorepeoria.com/attractions/thiespark

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks