Pleasant Hill Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Hill Recreation Area is a popular destination located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

There are a number of reasons to visit this area, including its stunning natural beauty, world-class fishing opportunities, and a variety of recreational options. The park is also home to a number of interesting and unique attractions, including a historic 19th-century mansion, the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, and the Shawnee National Forest.

One of the main draws of this area is its excellent fishing opportunities. The park is home to a number of species of fish, including bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat and explore the lake.

In addition to fishing, there are a variety of other recreational activities available. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping options. Visitors can also explore the nearby Shawnee National Forest, which is home to a number of unique plant and animal species.

If you're looking for something a little more educational, the park is home to the historic Crenshaw House, also known as the "Old Slave House." This 19th-century mansion was once used as a slave pen and is now open to visitors for tours. The Pleasant Hill Cemetery is also worth a visit, as it is home to a number of historic gravesites.

The best time to visit Pleasant Hill Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is in full swing. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique attractions and activities.

Overall, Pleasant Hill Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, history, and natural beauty. With its world-class fishing, hiking trails, and unique attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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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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