Natural Area Vancill Hollow
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Vancill Hollow is a natural area located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
It is a great place to visit for people who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
One of the main attractions of Vancill Hollow is its beautiful landscape, which includes forests, meadows, and wetlands. Visitors can also see several small streams and creeks flowing through the area. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Vancill Hollow Trail, which is about 3 miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
There are several points of interest to see in Vancill Hollow, including the Illinois River, which is home to a variety of aquatic wildlife, and the Vancill Cemetery, which is a historic site that dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can also see several bird species, such as the American Kestrel and the Eastern Bluebird.
Interesting facts about Vancill Hollow include that it is home to several rare plant species, such as the Northern Blue Flag and the Smooth Coneflower. The area is also known for its diverse population of reptiles and amphibians, including the Eastern Box Turtle and the American Toad.
The best time of year to visit Vancill Hollow is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching in the spring and fall, as many migratory species pass through the area.
Overall, Vancill Hollow is a beautiful natural area that is well worth a visit for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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