Parish Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Parish Park is a beautiful recreational spot located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
It is situated in south-central Illinois, in the city of Pana. The park is spread over an area of 56 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
One of the main reasons to visit Parish Park is to enjoy the great outdoors. The park offers various recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, playing sports, and observing wildlife in the park.
Some specific points of interest to see in Parish Park include the lake, which is stocked with various types of fish, and the hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks. The park also has several playgrounds, picnic shelters, and campsites, making it an ideal spot for family outings and weekend getaways.
Interesting facts about Parish Park include its history as a former coal mining site and the efforts taken to reclaim the land and transform it into a beautiful park. The park is also home to various species of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, birds, and deer.
The best time of year to visit Parish Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the changing seasons and fall foliage in the autumn months.
In conclusion, Parish Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Illinois. With its diverse range of recreational activities, scenic landscapes, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone.
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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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