Gebhard Woods State Park

Gebhard Woods State Park is a 30-acre natural space in Morris, Illinois, situated along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The grounds feature mature trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn, and cottonwood, with Nettle Creek running through the property.

The land was acquired in 1934 by a local hunting and fishing club and subsequently donated to create the state park. This transfer from private ownership to public use opened the area for community access and outdoor recreation.

The park sits along a historic transportation corridor that shaped how people moved through this region, and visitors today can sense that connection through its layout. The mature trees and waterway reflect how the landscape has supported both human activity and natural growth side by side.

The park supports hiking, camping, picnicking, canoeing, and fishing across all seasons, with outdoor experiences varying based on weather and water levels. Plan your visit according to the season and bring appropriate gear for wet conditions, especially near the creek.

Each spring, wildflowers including trillium, bluebells, and white trout lily blanket the grounds, transforming the landscape into a blooming display. This seasonal floral show draws visitors seeking to witness the park's natural rhythms throughout the year.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1934

Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/GebhardWoods.aspx

GPS coordinates: 41.35690,-88.43530

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:47