Posted in Illinois
May 18, 2016
There’s Something Magical About These 13 Illinois Lakes In The Summer
Illinois has some gorgeous and scenic lakes. We profiled some last summer. This year, we are highlighting some of our past favorites, as well as introducing you to some new lakes you might not know about. Whether you’re interested in fishing, boating or swimming, there is a lake on this list that is perfect for you.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This lake was built in 1968 and it comprises over 2750 acres. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenery including bluffs and hills.
Lake Shelbyville is a whopping 11,000 acres. It attracts more than 4 million visitors each year with its fishing and boating opportunities. There are places to hike and camp around here as well.
Lake Glendale is surrounded by the very scenic Shawnee National Forest. The lake is only 80 inches, but it is fabulous to swim in and has a wonderful beach.
At just under 5,000 acres, this lake is the feature of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. It is awesome for fishing, especially catfish. It also has a gorgeous 1,000 foot sand beach.
Rather than being surrounded by flat land, this lake is surrounded by deep sandstone valleys and steep slopes. It is 800 acres and 90 feet deep at its deepest point. It is awesome for rainbow trout.
We would be remiss if we didn't include Lake Michigan on this list. Whether you are out on the lake taking in awesome views of the skyline, or you are enjoying it over at Illinois Beach State Park, you can really enjoy this lake.
This lake is around 1000 acres. It has a maximum depth of 35 miles. Camping, fishing and boating are the reasons people come out and visit.
This lake is 925 acres, and it has a maximum depth of 55 feet. There are 22.5 miles of shoreline.
When visiting Horseshoe Lake, you might just feel like you are in the deep South. Bald cypress, tupelo gum and swamp cottonwood trees are trees you don't generally run into. There are 20 miles of shoreline for you to explore.
This 1200 acre lake is half a mile across. It offers a shore length of 36 miles. The waters are crystal clear and are great for fishing crappie, bass and bluegill.
When constructed, this lake was the largest artificially constructed one in Illinois. It is 21,000 acres in size. It has an average depth of around 8 feet.
This lake is 380 acres. It is man made, and was made by damming the Big Indian Creek. It is situated in the scenic 1,500 acre Shabonna Lake State Park.
This lake is awesome for fishing or relaxing. At 248 acres, it also has a 13 mile shoreline.
What are your favorite Illinois lakes to spend your summer days at?
