Panfish Park
Rate this placeNearby: Co-Op Park Fairview Ave
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Panfish Park is a popular recreational area in the state of Illinois, located in the central region of the state.
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Summary
The park is best known for its abundant fishing opportunities, with several ponds and lakes stocked with a variety of fish species. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking along the park's trails, as well as picnicking and camping.
One of the main points of interest in Panfish Park is the large fishing pond, which is stocked with catfish, bluegill, and bass. The park also has a smaller pond that is specifically designated for children's fishing. In addition to fishing, visitors can explore the park's natural beauty on foot by hiking through the woods and along the park's trails. There are also several picnic areas and campsites available for those who want to spend the night.
Interesting facts about Panfish Park include its history as a former limestone quarry, which was converted into a recreational area in the 1970s. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.
The best time of year to visit Panfish Park depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular times for fishing, while summer is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Winter offers a unique opportunity for ice fishing on the park's frozen ponds.
Overall, Panfish Park is a great destination for anyone looking for outdoor recreation and natural beauty in the state of Illinois. Its fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and camping facilities make it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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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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