Harold Hall Quarry Beach

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harold Hall Quarry Beach is a popular destination in the state of Illinois, known for its unique swimming experience in a former quarry.


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Summary

The beach offers a range of amenities, including sand volleyball courts, concessions, and a diving platform. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pond.

One of the main attractions at Harold Hall Quarry Beach is the swimming area, which features clear, blue water and a sandy beach. The beach is located in a former quarry, which adds to its distinctive character. The water is deep and refreshing, making it a popular spot for swimmers of all ages.

In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy a range of other activities at the beach. There are sand volleyball courts available for use, as well as a diving platform for those who enjoy jumping into the water. The beach also offers concessions, including snacks and drinks.

Outside of the swimming area, visitors can explore the surrounding park. There are hiking trails that wind through the woods, as well as picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or snack. There is also a fishing pond nearby, which may be of interest to anglers.

One interesting fact about Harold Hall Quarry Beach is that it was once a working quarry. The site was used for mining limestone, which was used in construction projects throughout the area. Today, the quarry has been transformed into a beautiful park and beach area.

The best time of year to visit Harold Hall Quarry Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the water is inviting. The beach is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Admission fees are reasonable, making it an affordable option for families and individuals looking for a fun day out.

       

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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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