IISG07-779
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois
(PRT0000000—10M—4-07)
Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other
agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability,
age, religion or other nonmerit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated
against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271;
(217) 785-0067; TTY (217) 782-9175.
VIEW OF PINE LAKE
■ While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to
use the park’s facilities, they are required to register in advance
with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
■ At least one responsible adult must accompany each group
of 15 minors.
■ Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
■ Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities.
We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories,
leave only footprints.
■ For more information on state parks, write to the Department
of Natural Resources, Clearinghouse, One Natural Resources
Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, call (217) 782-6302 or visit
our website at www.dnr.state.il.us.
■ For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau
of Tourism at 1-800-2CONNECT.
■ Hearing-impaired individuals may call the Department of
Natural Resources’ TTY number, (217) 782-9175, or use the
Ameritech Relay Number, 1-800-526-0844.
Pyramid State Park
R.R. 1, Box 290
Pinckneyville, IL 62274, (618) 357-2574
F i e l d Tr i a l s
Between Sept. 1 and April 15 each year, dog field trials,
including horseback trials, will be conducted on the newly
acquired Arch property. The site also hosts the annual
National Shoot to Retrieve Field Trial. Most field trials will be
held on the Captain and Denmark management units.
Pyramid
State Park
▲
Picnicking
Picnic areas within the original park unit are numerous
but small due to the steep terrain. Picnic tables and grills
are available.
S TAT E PA R K
Camping
Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated
camping areas only. The original Pyramid Unit contains
three Class C camping areas, a Class D hike-in campsite
and a small equestrian campground. All campers must
obtain a camping permit from site staff.
Pyramid
State of Illinois
Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Pyramid State Park
Pyramid State Park is presently Illinois’ largest state park,
encompassing more than 19,000 acres in southwestern
Perry County. The original 924 acres of surface-mined land
were used for research by Southern Illinois University, with
the area designated a state park in 1968. The state expanded the park in 2001 with the purchase of approximately
16,000 acres from the Arch of Illinois mine company. A variety of habitats may be found in the park, from steeply forested hills and numerous lakes and wetlands to broad expanses
of grasslands. A rich variety of wildlife inhabit the area,
including deer, turkey, rabbits, geese and ducks. More than
80 species of birds have been documented at the site.
Surface-Mining Operations
Almost every evolution in surface-mining coal has been
used on the lands now Pyramid State Park. The original park
was surface-mined in the 1930s and 1940s using steampowered shovels. Reclamation during that time consisted of
planting trees on overburden strewn almost haphazardly
across the landscape. This contrasts sharply with the modern
mining and reclamation practices used on the 16,000 acres
purchased from Arch of Illinois. The newer lands have a gently rolling landscape and large, deliberately planned lakes.
Advances in reclamation technologies allow much of this
land to be pastured or farmed.
Orientation
The Department manages Pyramid State Park as five distinct units.
• Original Pyramid – the 3,200-acre area originally known as
Pyramid State Park
• East Conant – a 2,824-acre tract north and west of the
original park
• Galum – a 4,385-acre tract west of the original park
• Captain – a 6,105-acre tract west of the original park
• Denmark – a 2,931-acre tract south and west of the
original park
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing are major public uses of the park and
site specific regulations are available at the site office.
Large numbers of migratory waterfowl are attracted to
the park. During waterfowl season, a daily drawing is held
for staked blind locations on the Galum, Captain and
Denmark Units. Waterfowl refuges exist on the Captain
and Denmark Units.
Deer and upland game hunting are also popular activities at Pyramid. The site is managed as a quality hunting
area, requiring that all bucks harvested have a minimum of
four points on one side. Upland game hunting is allowed by
drawing only, and a free upland game application must be
submitted by mail to the Springfield Department of Natural
Resources Office.
Pyramid State Park contains more than 20 lakes and
ponds, offering an excellent fishery resource to the public.
Fisheries’ management focuses on maintaining or improving
existing populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear
sunfish and channel catfish. All lakes have a 10 horsepower
limit. Although primitive boat launches are available at several lakes, ramps and approaches are steep, and the use of
a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Tr a i l s
Approximately 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails cross the
original Pyramid Unit, including a 12-mile mountain bike trail.
Future trail connections will link these trails to the other units.
F i e l d Tr i a l s
Between Sept. 1 and April 15 each year, dog field trials,
including horseback trials, will be conducted on the newly
acquired Arch property. The site also hosts the annual
National Shoot to Retrieve Field Trial. Most field trials will be
held on the Captain and Denmark management units.
IISG07-779
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois
(PRT0000000—10M—4-07)
Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other
agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability,
age, religion or other nonmerit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated
against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271;
(217) 785-0067; TTY (217) 782-9175.
VIEW OF PINE LAKE
■ While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to
use the park’s facilities, they are required to register in advance
with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
■ At least one responsible adult must accompany each group
of 15 minors.
■ Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
■ Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities.
We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories,
leave only footprints.
■ For more information on state parks, write to the Department
of Natural Resources, Clearinghouse, One Natural Resources
Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, call (217) 782-6302 or visit
our website at www.dnr.state.il.us.
■ For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau
of Tourism at 1-800-2CONNECT.
■ Hearing-impaired individuals may call the Department of
Natural Resources’ TTY number, (217) 782-9175, or use the
Ameritech Relay Number, 1-800-526-0844.
Pyramid State Park
R.R. 1, Box 290
Pinckneyville, IL 62274, (618) 357-2574
Pyramid
State Park
▲
Picnicking
Picnic areas within the original park unit are numerous
but small due to the steep terrain. Picnic tables and grills
are available.
S TAT E PA R K
Camping
Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated
camping areas only. The original Pyramid Unit contains
three Class C camping areas, a Class D hike-in campsite
and a small equestrian campground. All campers must
obtain a camping permit from site staff.
Pyramid
State of Illinois
Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Pyramid State Park
Pyramid State Park is presently Illinois’ largest state park,
encompassing more than 19,000 acres in southwestern
Perry County. The original 924 acres of surface-mined land
were used for research by Southern Illinois University, with
the area designated a state park in 1968. The state expanded the park in 2001 with the purchase of approximately
16,000 acres from the Arch of Illinois mine company. A variety of habitats may be found in the park, from steeply forested hills and numerous lakes and wetlands to broad expanses
of grasslands. A rich variety of wildlife inhabit the area,
including deer, turkey, rabbits, geese and ducks. More than
80 species of birds have been documented at the site.
Surface-Mining Operations
Almost every evolution in surface-mining coal has been
used on the lands now Pyramid State Park. The original park
was surface-mined in the 1930s and 1940s using steampowered shovels. Reclamation during that time consisted of
planting trees on overburden strewn almost haphazardly
across the landscape. This contrasts sharply with the modern
mining and reclamation practices used on the 16,000 acres
purchased from Arch of Illinois. The newer lands have a gently rolling landscape and large, deliberately planned lakes.
Advances in reclamation technologies allow much of this
land to be pastured or farmed.
Orientation
The Department manages Pyramid State Park as five distinct units.
• Original Pyramid – the 3,200-acre area originally known as
Pyramid State Park
• East Conant – a 2,824-acre tract north and west of the
original park
• Galum – a 4,385-acre tract west of the original park
• Captain – a 6,105-acre tract west of the original park
• Denmark – a 2,931-acre tract south and west of the
original park
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing are major public uses of the park and
site specific regulations are available at the site office.
Large numbers of migratory waterfowl are attracted to
the park. During waterfowl season, a daily drawing is held
for staked blind locations on the Galum, Captain and
Denmark Units. Waterfowl refuges exist on the Captain
and Denmark Units.
Deer and upland game hunting are also popular activities at Pyramid. The site is managed as a quality hunting
area, requiring that all bucks harvested have a minimum of
four points on one side. Upland game hunting is allowed by
drawing only, and a free upland game application must be
submitted by mail to the Springfield Department of Natural
Resources Office.
Pyramid State Park contains more than 20 lakes and
ponds, offering an excellent fishery resource to the public.
Fisheries’ management focuses on maintaining or improving
existing populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear
sunfish and channel catfish. All lakes have a 10 horsepower
limit. Although primitive boat launches are available at several lakes, ramps and approaches are steep, and the use of
a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Tr a i l s
Approximately 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails cross the
original Pyramid Unit, including a 12-mile mountain bike trail.
Future trail connections will link these trails to the other units.
If the outdoors in Illinois is
where you want to be—
For only $15, you can subscribe to
OutdoorIllinois magazine. A publication of
the Department of Natural Resources, it’s the
perfect source of information for outdoor enthusiasts who fish, hunt, birdwatch, camp, boat,
hike, ski, bike or simply enjoy being outdoors.
From stories about state park sites to season dates and
Exotic Species
Plants and animals not native to Illinois are exotic species. Most of
them are harmless to our state; however, some can be very invasive to
native plant communities and can overwhelm or wipe out native
species. Prevention and control of exotic, invasive species requires
tremendous cooperation between managers and all users of parks,
natural areas, and privately owned land.
To learn more about exotic and invasive species and how you can
help prevent their spread, visit the IDNR Exotic Species Website at:
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/education/ExoticSpecies/exoticspintro.htm.
Leopard Road
8
9
10
11
12
13
13
11
14
12
Panda Bear Road
Captain
Unit
Park Road
Cutler Road
8
Captain Lakes
Park Road
10
9
Site
Entrance
16
Park Rd.
features on a variety of outdoor activities, OutdoorIllinois
has it all!
You will receive 12 issues for $15, plus a free, full-color
wall calendar in the December issue. Call toll-free in Illinois,
1-800-720-3249. Outside of Illinois, call (217) 782-1687.
TTY (217) 782-9175. Or send a $15 check or money
order to OutdoorIllinois, P.O. Box 19225, Dept. NL,
Springfield, IL 62794-9225.
15
17
-
Merganser Lake
Snow Goose Lake
Canada Goose Lake
Blue Goose Lake
Gadwall Lake
Super Lake
14
15
16
17
18
19
Pyramid
State Park
- Bufflehead Lake
- Pintail Lake
- Wigeon Lake
- Black Duck Lake
- Bluebill Lake
- Ringneck Lake
Pyatts Blacktop
4
Park Road
2
6
5
“EAST CONANT”
3
1
Mt. Lion Road
7
Park Road
Denmark
Unit
Denmark Lakes
Ruddy Duck Lake
Green Wing Lake
Shoveler Lake
Canvasback Lake
Mallard Lake
Blue Wing Lake
Lesser Scaup Lake
Galum Church Road
White Tail Road
“GALUM”
Panda Bear Road
-
Leopard Road
Cutler Road
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
“ORIGINAL
PYRAMID”
“CAPTAIN”
Pyatts Blacktop
To Rt. 127
To Rt. 4
Pyramid State Park Lakes & Ponds
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
“DENMARK”
- Stump Pond
- Wesseln Lake
- Plum Lake
- Clear Lake
- Cottonwood Lake
- Beehive Lake
- Lost Lake
- Hidden Lake
- Blackberry Lake
- Pine Lake
- Spring Lake
- Beaver Lake
- Little Beaver Lake
- Cedar Lake
- Crescent Lake
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
- Willow Lake
- Ridge Lake
- Serene Lake
- Chain Lakes
- Crystal Lake
- Ring Lake
- Heron Lake
- Hook Lake
- Reed Lake
- Marsh Lake
- Elm Lake
- Ash Lake
- Oak Lake
- Little Pond
- Boulder Lake
4
Original
Pyramid
Legend
3
5
1
IDNR Boundary
2
6
Foot Trail
Horse Trail
7
30
Rugged
10-Mile
Trail
Archery Range
8
Boat Launch
Campground
Boulder Lake
Campground
Red Bud
Picnic Area
29
Equestrian Campground
Horse
Camping
Parking
25
10
Lost
Forty
Park Office
Picnic Area
9
Rugged
10-Mile
Trail
Hidden
Cove
Picnic
Area
19
28 27
26
Grey Rock
Picnic Area
24
Picnic Shelter
23
18
Horse
Trail
Entrance
11
22
Sanitary Dumping Station
★
Hike-In Camping
Youth Group
Camping
Area
Heron
Campground
County Road
17
Shag Bark
Picnic Area
Flatrock
Picnic Area
14
12
20
21
16
Main
Entrance
15
Willow Lake
Picnic Area
13
To 13-127 (1.5 Mi.)