Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, located in the state of Illinois, not Wisconsin, is a beautiful destination that offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities.


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Summary

Situated on the eastern shores of Rend Lake, the park spans over 3,300 acres and provides visitors with stunning natural landscapes and abundant wildlife.

There are several compelling reasons to visit Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. Its picturesque scenery makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike. The park offers numerous activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. With its diverse habitats, visitors can explore forests, wetlands, and prairies, providing opportunities to observe a wide range of plant and animal species.

One of the main points of interest within the park is Rend Lake, a massive reservoir that stretches over 18,900 acres. This lake offers an array of water-based activities, including swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing. Anglers will also appreciate the excellent fishing opportunities available, as Rend Lake is known for its abundant populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and more.

Another noteworthy attraction is the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Course, which is situated within the park. This beautiful golf course, surrounded by natural beauty, is open to the public and provides an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

In terms of interesting facts about the area, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is named after Wayne E. Fitzgerrell, a native of nearby Benton, Illinois, who served as a public official and was an advocate for the creation of the park. The park was established in 1953 and has since become a beloved destination for outdoor recreation in Southern Illinois.

The best time of year to visit Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring and fall are generally considered the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summers are ideal for water activities and camping, while winter offers opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park by consulting multiple independent sources such as official park websites, travel guides, and reliable tourism resources.

       

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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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