Pigeon Hill Conservation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pigeon Hill Conservation Area is located in the state of Missouri and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation throughout the 1,700-acre area. The conservation area offers diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Some points of interest within the area include Pigeon Hill Lake, which is popular for fishing and boating, and the Indian Grass Prairie, which is home to several rare plant species. Visitors can also explore the various hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas throughout the conservation area.

Interesting facts about Pigeon Hill Conservation Area include that it was once used as a Civil War training ground and has since been restored and preserved for public use. The area is also home to several threatened and endangered species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and Henslow's sparrow.

The best time of year to visit Pigeon Hill Conservation Area depends on visitors' interests. Spring and fall are ideal times for hiking and birdwatching, while summer is perfect for fishing and boating on Pigeon Hill Lake. Winter also offers opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation.

In conclusion, Pigeon Hill Conservation Area is an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse habitats and points of interest, visitors can enjoy various activities year-round.

       

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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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