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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
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Sam Parr State Park
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SAM PARR STATE PARK
SAM PARR STATE PARK
13225 East State Highway 33
Newton, Illinois   62448

Phone: 618-783-2661
Reservations: 618-783-2661
Email: park email button icon
For several decades the residents of Jasper County worked for a state park, assisted and encouraged by a former resident and conservationist, Sam Parr. In 1960, 72 acres of land were acquired by the Department of Natural Resources and the Jasper County Conservation Area became a reality. Additional acquisitions have brought the total acreage to 1,180, including a 183-acre lake.

After the death of Sam Parr in 1966, the General Assembly changed the name from Jasper County to Sam Parr. The site was formally dedicated on May 12, 1972. It is 3 miles northeast of Newton.
History of the Area
As in most of Illinois, the early inhabitants of this area were Indians. For nearly 1,000 years they fished and lived along the Embarrass River and hunted in nearby woodlands, including what is now Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.

The 1770's brought the French and the westward expansion of the American colonists, who pushed the Indians westward into Illinois in search for new lands. The Piankashaw finally settled in this area and they lived in comparative peace with the French who lived with them, adapting many of their ways. General Harrison from Vincennes, Indiana, negotiated a treaty with the Piankashaws in 1812, whereby they gave up nearly one million acres of land to the United States Government, including what is now Jasper county. There were about 140 Piankashaw Indians left in the area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Class B/E, C & D, and Youth camping are available. It is suggested you call ahead due to an ADA Construction project at the park which may periodically close some campsites.
Boating
Boats with maximum 10 hp motors are allowed on the lake, and canoes are popular. Boat dock rentals are available. Fishing access and parking is also available on the east side of the lake via a county road.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 183-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Boat rentals are available.


Location
Sam Parr State Park is

Picnicking
Sam Parr State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Restrooms are also available for convenience.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 3-mile trail, but caution is advised due to the uneven terrain and potential wildlife encounters. The park's paths are not paved, so mountain bikes or similar models with sturdy tires are recommended. Bikers should be aware that trails may close during certain seasons for maintenance or safety reasons. Helmets and other protective gear are strongly encouraged as some areas of the path have steep inclines which could pose risks on descent.
Trails
Facilities at Sam Parr include four picnic areas for day use, shelters in all areas, more than 2 miles of foot trails, 13 miles of equestrian trails.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can explore woodland areas, grasslands or the lake's edge for different sightings.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 12 Very Quite Park by Deidre_L_M
park review stars; one to five Very nice and quiet park. Very nice to have a boat ramp close to the campgrounds. Only suggestion we would have is to trim back some of the trees on the road to the campground and through the campground road - we have a Class A and made contact quite a few times traveling through - other then that - very nice park.
August 1 Beautiful park by BETTE Jim
park review stars; one to five Dont miss the gorgeous sunflowers This is the nicest and best maintained park we have ever been in and we have seen parks in many states
June 25 Bird Watching by kevin M.
park review stars; one to five This is a great place for bird watching.We have been here several times and have never had a bad day.
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Directions
From the north: Follow Rt. 130 south to Rt. 33 east. Turn east on Rt. 33 and go 1 mile to park entrance.

From the south: Follow Rt. 130 north to Rt 33 east. Turn east on Rt. 33 and go 1 mile to park entrance. From the west: Follow Rt. 33 east from Effingham 25 miles to park entrance. (2 mile east of Newton). From the east: Follow Rt. 33 west 21 mile from Robinson to park entrance.

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Illinois
54

Illinois State Parks

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