Johnson State Park

Parks and Recreation

Abundant parks and recreational opportunities

Whatever your recreational pleasure, Kewanee offers you the opportunity to play, relax, and enjoy our extensive green spaces and recreational treasures.

Kewanee Park District

The Kewanee Park District operates four parks in the community:

  • Windmont Park is a 20 acre park on the city’s southwest side that includes a lagoon, walking trails; an ADA approved fishing pier, picnic shelters, and playground equipment.
  • Baker Park is a 300 acre park that includes an 18-hole public golf course, a driving range, a clubhouse and pro shop that features the 19th Hole, a popular local restaurant. Baker Park also includes a two mile scenic drive that meanders through some of Kewanee’s most beautiful terrain.
  • Northeast Park features the Oasis Family Aquatic Center that includes a zero entry pool, a water slide and a fountain. A stone sided bathhouse has been remodeled for use as a shelter. Northeast Park is where the youth baseball and soccer leagues practice and compete.
  • Chautauqua Park on the west side of the city includes a baseball diamond, a shelter house, a concession stand, a snowmobile trail/course, and a 12-hole disk golf course.

The City of Kewanee’s Parks Department operates three smaller parks throughout the city – West Park, McKinley Park, and Veterans Park – and Francis Park which is located 3 miles east of the City. Francis Park is the home of the Woodland Palace, the former home of an eccentric inventor named Frederick Francis. The house features disappearing doors and windows, an air cooling system, radiant heat deflectors in the fireplace chimney, and running water, all without the benefit of electricity. The park also sports camping sites, a shelter house, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and a baseball diamond. Admission for the Woodland Palace is $2 for adults, $1 for children 5 -12, children under 5 are free. Woodland Palace is open seven days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the last weekend of April to the last weekend in September.

Kewanee Dunes Golf Course

Kewanee Dunes Golf Course

Kewanee Dunes Golf Course is a privately operated 18-hole public golf course 5 mile southwest of Kewanee. The very attractive and regionally renowned golf course is surrounded by upscale homes and includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant, and a practice facility.

Johnson- Sauk Trail State Park

The Sauk Trail State Park is located 5 miles north of Kewanee and is a premium recreational area for Kewanee residents. The state park contains 1,365 acres of recreational area situated in some of the most beautiful terrain in Western Illinois. The park includes a 58-acre lake, camp ground/picnic facilities, walking trails, and playgrounds. A sports enthusiast’s paradise, fishing and hunting opportunities are also available. The park is open year round and winter sports such as cross country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and sledding are very popular. The park is also home to Ryan’s Round Barn, one of the largest round barns built in the United States.

Lakeside Camper’s Store & Restaurant

Lakeside Camper’s Store & Restaurant is located in the park and operates seasonally during camping season. The store offers camping supplies, firewood, fishing supplies, boat rentals, souvenirs, and snacks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a popular and convenient venue for area residents.

The YMCA of Kewanee

For more structured, indoor programs, the YMCA of Kewanee is conveniently located in downtown Kewanee and offers a variety of recreation, fitness, and health programs for all age groups. The YMCA also offers a Day Care Center, Summer Camp, and arts classes for members of the community. A fantastic community asset!