Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area is a 1,100-acre public park located in southern Illinois.
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Summary
The area is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Visitors to Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area can enjoy a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game. There are also several scenic overlooks and picnic areas throughout the park.
One of the main points of interest in Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area is the Mississippi River, which borders the park. Visitors can explore the river by boat or kayak, or simply enjoy the scenic views from the park's shoreline.
Another interesting feature of the park is the Pearl River, which runs through the area. The river is a popular spot for fishing, and is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
The best time of year to visit Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities you plan to participate in. The park is open year-round, but hunting and fishing seasons vary throughout the year. Spring and fall are popular times for wildlife viewing and hiking, while summer is a great time for boating and fishing.
Overall, Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of southern Illinois. With its diverse wildlife, scenic views, and range of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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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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