🌤 Weather at Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–74 °F | 64–86 °F | 35–80 °F | 22–42 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Newton, 9 mi away, elevation 531 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is a public state park in Illinois near Newton in Jasper County. Spanning 4.8 acres and established in 1960, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Illinois |
| Nearest City | Newton |
| County | Jasper |
| Park Size | 4.8 acres |
| Established | 1960 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (300 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is located near Newton, Illinois. The park’s coordinates are 39.0500, -88.0333.
Things to Do
Illinois state parks offer surprising geological diversity — from sandstone canyons and waterfalls in the south to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and Great Lakes shoreline in the north. Popular activities include hiking through dramatic canyon formations at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, fishing for bass and catfish in the state’s rivers and lakes, camping in forested settings along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, biking paved and gravel trails, birdwatching along major migratory flyways (Illinois sits on the Mississippi Flyway), cross-country skiing in winter, horseback riding on dedicated equestrian trails, and exploring historic sites from frontier forts to Lincoln-era landmarks.
Best Time to Visit
Illinois parks shine across all four seasons. Spring (April–May) brings peak waterfall flow at Starved Rock and Matthiessen after snowmelt, plus wildflower carpets in the canyon floors. Summer (June–August) is ideal for swimming, Lake Michigan beaches, and river recreation — but canyon parks get crowded on weekends. Fall (September–November) delivers stunning foliage, especially in the southern Shawnee National Forest region, peaking mid-October. Winter transforms canyon parks into ice wonderlands — frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock are a major winter attraction. All Illinois state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Illinois state parks offer free admission — there are no entrance fees or vehicle passes required. This makes Illinois one of the most visitor-friendly state park systems in the country. Camping fees are modest ($8–$35/night depending on amenities). Reservations are made through the Illinois DNR reservation system. Popular parks like Starved Rock fill parking lots before 9 AM on fall and spring weekends — arrive early. Many parks offer excellent lodge accommodations (Starved Rock Lodge, Pere Marquette Lodge, Giant City Lodge) for those who prefer indoor comfort with park access.
Explore More Illinois State Parks
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Illinois. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Illinois guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area — named for a colorful Jasper County newspaper editor and political figure — provides recreation on a 183-acre lake in east-central Illinois. The park is notable for its diverse managed habitats — the lake, surrounding forest, restored prairie, and food plots create a mosaic that supports high wildlife diversity. The restored tallgrass prairie features big bluestem, Indian grass, and blazing star — plants whose deep root systems can extend 12+ feet underground, building the rich prairie soil that made Illinois the “Prairie State.” Grassland birds including dickcissels and grasshopper sparrows nest in the restored grasslands. The lake supports largemouth bass (with a 15-inch minimum size limit), bluegill, and channel catfish.
Nearby Attractions
Newton — the Jasper County seat — has a historic courthouse square. Olney — 20 miles south — is famous for its white squirrels (albino eastern gray squirrels). Lincoln Trail State Park preserves the Lincoln family migration route. Red Hills State Park offers additional recreation. Effingham — a crossroads community — has the 198-foot Cross at the Crossroads. Teutopolis — a German-heritage community — offers distinctive character. Jasper County Historical Museum covers local heritage.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a short drive away, and Crawford County State Fish and Wildlife Area is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
