Walton Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walton Park is a scenic destination located in the state of Illinois, offering a plethora of reasons to visit.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated in the village of Park Ridge, this beautiful park boasts a range of attractions and activities for all ages.

One of the main reasons to visit Walton Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park features a picturesque lake surrounded by well-maintained walking trails, lush greenery, and a variety of vibrant flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls, picnic spots, and serene views of the lake.

A specific point of interest within Walton Park is the Centennial Park Aquatic Center. This modern facility offers a wide range of water activities, including swimming, diving, and water slides, making it a perfect destination for families and water enthusiasts alike.

Furthermore, Walton Park is home to the Maine Park Leisure Center, which offers a variety of recreational activities such as indoor basketball courts, fitness classes, and a gymnasium. This center provides visitors with opportunities for physical activities and exercise throughout the year.

Interesting facts about the area include its historical significance. Walton Park is named after Joseph Walton, one of the early settlers of Park Ridge. Additionally, the park is part of the extensive Cook County Forest Preserve system, which aims to preserve and protect natural lands throughout the region.

The best time to visit Walton Park is during the warmer months, typically from May to September. During this time, visitors can fully enjoy the park's outdoor amenities, including walking trails, picnicking areas, and water activities. The vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage during the fall season also make for a visually stunning visit.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify this information across multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, reputable travel guides, or local tourism bureaus.

       

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