Summary
Sitting in the Great Lakes region of North America, Illinois is an exceptionally diverse state. It encompasses sprawling metropolises such as Chicago, expansive prairie landscapes, rivers, highlands, along with an abundance of wildlife species.
Illinois covers a total of 150,000 square kilometers, with over 6,000 square kilometers of this area consisting of water. Lake Michigan is the largest water body in the state, though numerous smaller lakes can be found throughout. Below are the 15 most notable lakes in Illinois.
1. Lake Shelbyville
This reservoir was established by damming the Kaskaskia River in Shelby County. Spanning an area of 45 square kilometers, it is bordered by Eagle Creek State Park and Wolf Creek State Park, and features five federal campgrounds.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Lake Shelbyville is surrounded by the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. Its shores are densely forested, complemented by man-made beaches closer to the dam.
A multipurpose trail, equestrian trails, several golf courses, and marinas are situated in proximity to the lake. Additionally, Lake Shelbyville is renowned for its fishing activities, hosting numerous tournaments year-round.
2. Lake of Egypt
Situated in the Little Egypt region, Lake of Egypt is a striking lake surrounded by trees and vacation residences. It was established in 1962 by damming the Saline River and is owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC).
Though classified as a private lake, Lake of Egypt offers public access, allowing visitors to engage in activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. Fishing is also popular here, with an abundance of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie.
Adjacent to Shawnee National Forest, the lake provides camping facilities for those wishing to enjoy the area overnight.
3. Rend Lake
Rend Lake, measuring 20.9 x 4.8 kilometers, is located across Franklin and Jefferson counties in southern Illinois. This appealing lake was formed by the damming of the Big Muddy River in 1962.
A section of the lake’s 260-kilometer shoreline is home to the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, an excellent destination for fishing. The lake is abundant in species such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and channel catfish.
As one of the largest lakes in the state, Rend Lake features wonderful swimming beaches, a visitor center, and an artisan shop where local crafts can be purchased.
4. Devil’s Kitchen Lake
Located in southern Illinois, Devil’s Kitchen Lake is a 3.3 square kilometer reservoir that was formed by damming Grassy Creek. The lake is distinctive, as it lies on flat terrain encircled by deep sandstone valleys and steep slopes.
With a depth of 27 meters, Devil’s Kitchen Lake stands as one of the state’s deepest lakes. It is well-known for its rainbow trout fishing, and it also hosts populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Three boat launch areas are available along the lake’s shores; however, motorboats are restricted to a maximum of 10 horsepower. Swimming is not allowed in Devil’s Kitchen Lake, with the natural scenery acting as its main attraction.
5. Lake Springfield
Located in the city of Springfield, Lake Springfield is a reservoir with a shoreline extending 92 kilometers, inhabited by residences, numerous public parks, and boat docks and launches, in addition to the Henson Robinson Zoo.
The lake was created in 1935 when the Spaulding Dam was constructed across Sugar Creek. While boating is prohibited near the dam, it is permitted and highly popular in other areas.
Fishing is abundant at Lake Springfield, with a diverse range of fish species, including carp, flathead catfish, northern pike, and muskellunge. Activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming are enjoyed extensively in the lake.
6. Lake Mattoon
Although Lake Mattoon was primarily constructed to supply water to the city of Mattoon, it has become a favored location for fishing and boating. The lake, covering 420 hectares, is home to bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Camping is frequently enjoyed along the lake’s 90-kilometer shoreline, while water skiing is a popular activity. Visitors have access to boat ramps and docks facilitating entry to the lake.
Lake Mattoon is conveniently located near Interstate 57, with ample parking available. It offers a serene environment, surrounded by trees and lush greenery.
7. Little Grassy Lake
Little Grassy Lake features crystal clear waters and is encompassed by trees, cliffs, and grass. It is a tranquil and picturesque lake, recognized for its warm-water fishing, which includes bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish.
Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to its favorable fishing opportunities, the lake also serves as an excellent camping venue, with a campground and marina operational during the fishing season.
Located in Williamson County, southeast of Carbondale, the reservoir was established in 1940 to provide relief following the Great Depression.
8. Lake Decatur
Established in 1922, Lake Decatur was originally the largest artificial lake in Illinois and was a popular site for recreational activities. Currently, the 11 square kilometer lake is reputable as a fishing destination, regularly yielding walleye, crappie, and bass.
Lake Decatur is bordered by two of Decatur’s largest parks, Nelson Park and Faries Park. Additionally, the Scovill Zoo is situated along its 48-kilometer shore, along with five public boat ramps.
The lake is conveniently accessible by road and features five crossings. The scenery while traversing the lake is remarkably picturesque, particularly when viewed along U.S. Highway 36.
9. Clinton Lake
Covering an area of 19.8 square kilometers, this lake is part of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Situated in central Illinois near the city of Clinton, it is a scenic body of water.
Opened in 1978, Clinton Lake has gained recognition as a premier destination for catching catfish and other game fish species. While fishing is a primary attraction, visitors also indulge in recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and camping.
During the winter months, many enthusiasts engage in cross-country skiing and snowboarding along the 136-kilometer shoreline, while hunting is favored during other seasons. Equestrian trails also enhance the recreational prospects around the lake.
10. Evergreen Lake
Evergreen Lake is situated in McLean County, central Illinois. This reservoir spans 6.5 kilometers in length and 0.6 kilometers in width.
The lake was created through the damming of Six Mile Creek and has become a favored recreational destination. It features the Evergreen Lake House, complete with hiking trails, boat docks, and ramps, in addition to a venue frequently booked for weddings.
Activities such as canoeing, fishing, paddle boarding, and sailing are readily available at Evergreen Lake. Furthermore, it serves as a water supply for nearby towns.
11. Argyle Lake
As part of the Argyle Lake State Park, Argyle Lake spans 38 hectares and is a popular venue for various recreational activities. Options such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and boating are readily available around the lake’s shoreline.
The lake is exceptionally picturesque, enveloped by stunning natural scenery. It serves as a favored location for day trips or weekend getaways, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite containing several limestone quarries, Argyle Lake continues to attract visitors eager to experience its natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities.
12. Lake Galena
Established in 1974 by damming Smallpox Creek, Lake Galena is a charming lake located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. This reservoir in Galena Territory draws water from a nearby watershed.
While privately managed, it remains a favored destination for boating and fishing activities. An operational marina along the 11-kilometer shoreline enables boat launching and rental for visitors.
The Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa borders the lake, and the eighth hole of its golf course is situated at the lake’s perimeter. Additionally, it features the picturesque Thunder Bay Falls.
13. Lake Opeka
Lake Opeka is particularly recognized for hosting the 18-hole Lake Park Golf Course. It also boasts a park featuring sailing, fishing, and boat charter services.
The surrounding area includes picnic shelters, parks, and a marina encompassing the 16-hectare lake. Additionally, it houses the Des Plaines Yacht Club, which conducts annual regattas and offers sailing instruction.
While Lake Opeka is relatively small, it presents a peaceful atmosphere, especially during the summer months, making it popular among families. It is conveniently located in Des Plaines, west of Lee Street.
14. Kinkaid Lake
Located in Jackson County, approximately eight kilometers from Murphysboro, Kinkaid Lake is a 1,110-hectare reservoir completed in 1968 and situated at the edge of Shawnee National Forest.
Characterized by its stunning surroundings of sandstone bluffs, rolling hills, and abundant trees, Kinkaid Lake is an ideal destination for camping, offering various facilities for visitors.
Fishing is highly favored within the lake, home to bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Hunting is also permitted, although a permit is required from the state.
15. Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard Lake serves as the centerpiece of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which is inhabited by numerous migratory birds. This 28 square kilometer reservoir receives water from Little Grassy Lake and Devil’s Kitchen Lake.
Visitors enthusiastically participate in boating, fishing, and swimming, which are popular recreational activities at the lake. There are two campgrounds located on the northern side, frequently visited by families seeking an enjoyable summer experience.
Created in the 1930s primarily for recreational use and flood control, Crab Orchard Lake continues to fulfill these purposes today, with many users deriving from nearby communities.
