Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area park
Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Fishing: This area is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. The 160-acre Sam Parr Lake is well-stocked with popular fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Anglers can enjoy a relaxing day by the lake, casting their lines and reeling in some impressive catches.
2. Hunting: Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is a prime destination for hunting enthusiasts. The area offers hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl during their respective seasons. The diverse landscape, including open fields, wooded areas, and wetlands, provides a variety of habitats for game species.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant wildlife found at Sam Parr. The area is home to numerous bird species, including bald eagles, geese, ducks, herons, and shorebirds. Additionally, visitors may spot deer, foxes, raccoons, and other mammals while exploring the park's trails and observation points.
Points of Interest:
1. Sam Parr Lake: The main attraction at the wildlife area, Sam Parr Lake offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. A boat ramp is available for easy access to the lake.
2. Picnic Areas: Several picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, providing a great spot for families and groups to enjoy a meal amid the beautiful surroundings.
3. Trails: Hiking enthusiasts can explore the 1.5 miles of trails available at Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area. These trails wind through diverse habitats, allowing visitors to experience the park's natural beauty up close.
Interesting Facts:
1. The wildlife area was named after Samuel Parr, a local resident who dedicated a significant amount of land for the establishment of the park.
2. Sam Parr Lake was constructed in the 1960s and has since become a popular recreational spot for fishing and boating in the area.
3. The park is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which focuses on conserving the area's natural resources and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area depends on the activities one wishes to pursue. Spring and fall are popular for hunting, with seasons open for various game species. Fishing is excellent year-round, with spring and fall being particularly favorable for catching trophy-sized fish. Birdwatching is most rewarding during the spring and fall migration seasons when a diverse array of bird species pass through the area.
Sources:
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/samparr.aspx
- AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/illinois/sam-parr-state-fish-and-wildlife-area
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Parr State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Oblong Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Crawford County Fairgrounds | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area
What can I do at Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Sam Parr State Fish And Wildlife Area.