Cornish Park sits in the historic heart of downtown Algonquin along the west bank of the Fox River at the intersection of South Harrison Street and West Algonquin Road (Hwy 62). This 2.43-acre park not only features a bridge, but serves as a bridge between past and present Algonquin. Cornish Park, which was named after one of Algonquin’s earliest settlers, Dr. Andrew Cornish, was also the site of the first Catholic church in Algonguin. The park features other historical plaques detailing some of its rich history.
Maintained by the Village of Algonquin, Cornish Park is open from 6 a.m. to dusk. Like Riverfront Park, it too was partially funded from two Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development grants the village received from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help in its development.
Cornish Park is located along the Fox River and within easy walking distance to Riverfront Park to the north; shops, dining and entertainment amenities, and other businesses along Main Street to the west; and Towne Park just another couple blocks further west.
Address: 101 S Harrison St, Algonquin, IL 60102
The park serves as a useful location for special community events, but you don’t need a special reason to make a trip to the park. The park features many amenities that can be enjoyed nearly any day. Cornish Park sports a large clocktower with an archway that leads you to the walking bridge over Crystal Creek and into the main park area.
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Enjoy the wonderful landscaping and flowerbeds around the park from any of the many benches. Bring a picnic basket or grab a takeout meal from one of the many nearby cafes or restaurants and enjoy dining alfresco at one of the picnic tables or on a blanket spread on the lawn. While not huge in size, the park also has a gazebo that you can use and even reserve and rent for special occasions.
Cornish Park also features a wonderful large playground that is great for kids. It can easily occupy them while you relax with views of the Fox River. You can toss in a line and try your luck at fishing or utilize the kayak launch to get on the water yourself. There is a decent amount of nearby parking and restrooms that are generally open from late spring to early fall.
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Cornish Park is also just a block from bustling South Main Street which features a number of businesses ready to satisfy your hunger, quench your thirst, or fill a shopping or other need.
There are a ton of businesses in a very small area, way too many to list, but here are some that were featured in the photos above: Swedish Ivy, Cucina Bella, Makity Make, Bold American Fair, Cattleman’s Burger and Brew, Short Stacks, Riverbottom Coffee & Ice Cream Co., Heavenly Attic Resale, Bella Vita Salon & Day Spa, Whiskey and Wine, The Black Bear Bistro, Doerner Jewelers, Bullseye Pub & Eatery, and Creekside Tap, as well as Port Edward, which we mentioned in our exploration of Riverfront Park.
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