How to Become a Park Ranger in Illinois

Many people don’t consider Illinois a must-see travel location, but these people are missing out on some of the most spectacular state parks in the country.

The men and women in charge of keeping these parks clean, safe, and educational are the park rangers.

These individuals are the heart of the parks.

They spend their days making sure visitors to the parks are safe, and they protect the environment of these parks so that generations to come can enjoy their beauty.

Do you have what it takes to be an Illinois park ranger?

What Are the Requirements to Be an Illinois Park Ranger?

Park rangers in Illinois are preferred to have at least an associate’s degree, but are in a better position for being hired if they have a bachelor’s degree.

This can be in any field related to recreational maintenance or wildlife conservation.

In addition to a degree, at least one year of experience is required.

This can be gotten through hands-on training in your degree program, internships, or volunteer work.

They must also pass a background check and be in good physical condition.

What Does an Illinois Park Ranger Do?

Park rangers in Illinois have a wide variety of duties.

These include supervising park workers, offering assistance to visitors, preparing and maintaining reports, and maintaining the sites.

They are responsible for repairing items such as picnic tables and signs, running special recreation programs, and maintaining exhibits.

Implementing safety and security programs is also essential.

Illinois State Parks

1. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is one of the state’s parks that offers internships for prospective rangers.

This park is over 100 years old and has 18 canyons, all with waterfalls that have been carved out by the Earth itself.

There are over 13 miles of trails to explore and 129 campsites for overnight stays.

Activities include hiking, boating, with boat rentals available, and fishing.

Many people enjoy eagle watching here.

There are also several special events throughout the year.

Two of the most popular are guided night hikes and an annual ghost tour.

2. Cache River State Natural Area

If you want to experience a true swamp outside the Deep South, plan a visit to this state park.

This state park is home to many Tupelo gum trees, but the biggest draw is the 1000+ year-old bald cypress trees, many with a circumference of over forty feet.

These 18,047 acres have been called a wetland of international importance because of the many endangered plants and animals that call it home.

In addition to the marvels you see here, this park offers hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing.

3. Pere Marquette State Park

This state park is noted for its bald eagle nesting in winter.

The view is looking out over the Mississippi River and is often seen as an excellent place for fall foliage tours.

This park is one of the few that offers rappelling.

It also offers horse trails and equestrian camping opportunities.

There are guided hikes and many displays to keep the whole family entertained and educated.

4. Wildlife Prairie State Park

This is one of the most unique state parks in Illinois and is a great place to view wild animals such as black bears and bison.

Fishing could net you a prize if you catch one of the tagged fish and take the tag to the gift shop.

There is a train ride, and you can spend the night in a real caboose that is turned into a room.

There are also other camping opportunities.

This park also offers special private encounters with animals.

There is also laser tag and disc golf.

5. Gebhard Woods State Park

The town of Morris is home to this state park.

The activities you can enjoy here include hiking, fishing, canoeing, skiing, fishing, and boating.

Camping and birding are also common activities.

This park is also the start of a 61-mile trail for hiking, canoeing, or biking.

This is a place where nature can be enjoyed in many ways and during any season.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Illinois

Park Ranger Salary in Illinois

Illinois park rangers make anywhere from $43,656 to $66,684 annually.

They also receive many benefits, including life and health insurance, paid holidays and time off, and access to retirement plans.

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Forest and Conservation Workers, OCC Code 45-4011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest state park in Illinois?

The largest state park in Illinois is Pere Marquette, with almost 8000 acres to explore.

Do park rangers in Illinois need a college degree?

The state of Illinois prefers its park rangers to have at least an associate’s degree in a related area.

Those who have a Bachelor’s degree have a greater chance of gaining employment.

There is also a need for at least one year of related experience.

How do I find out where all the state parks in Illinois are located?

If you visit this page, you will find a list of all the state parks in Illinois.

This page also links to the main sites of each of these parks.

This is a great reference if you are seeking to apply for a park ranger position.

How much money do park rangers in Illinois make?

Illinois park rangers make anywhere from $43,656 to $66,684 annually.

They also receive many benefits, including life and health insurance, paid holidays and time off, and access to retirement plans.

What are some of the main activities performed by park rangers in Illinois?

The main activities by park rangers in Illinois involve keeping the parks safe and clean and making sure visitors follow the rules.

They are also largely responsible for interacting with visitors and running educational programs.