There’s Something Magical About These 13 Illinois Lakes In The Summer
Illinois has some gorgeous and scenic lakes. We even 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. Here are some of the best lakes in Illinois.
This lake was built in 1968 and it comprises over 2750 acres. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery including bluffs and hills, this is one of the most magnificent Illinois lakes.
Lake Shelbyville is a whopping 11,000 acres. It attracts more than four million visitors each year with its fishing and boating opportunities. There are places to hike and camp around here as well. Not only that, but it's one of the most beautiful lakes in Illinois.
Lake Glendale is surrounded by the very scenic Shawnee National Forest. The lake is only 80 inches deep but it is fabulous to swim in. On top of that, it has a wonderful beach!
Lake Glendale Recreation Area, Lake Rd, Golconda, IL 62938, USA
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, and it has a gorgeous 1,000-foot sand beach. To learn more about one of the best lakes in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
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, so if you enjoy fishing, bring your poles! To learn more about Devil's Kitchen Lake, visit the Enjoy Illinois website.
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. It is certainly one of the most beautiful lakes in Illinois with some incredible beaches to enjoy the scenery.
Lake Michigan, United States
7. Lake Mattoon (Coles/Cumberland/Shelby Counties)
This lake is around 1000 acres and has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Camping, fishing, and boating are the reasons people come out and visit Lake Mattoon, one of the loveliest Illinois lakes. You can learn more on the Mattoon, Illinois website.
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 here at Horseshoe Lake, one of the best lakes in Illinois. To learn more, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
This 1,200-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. As one of the clearest lakes in Illinois, you should put Little Grassy Lake at the top of your list!
When constructed, this lake was one of the largest artificially constructed lakes in Illinois. It is 21,000 acres in size with an average depth of around eight feet. Visit the City of Decatur Illinois website to learn more.
This lake is 380 acres. It is man-made when Big Indian Creek was dammed. It is situated in the scenic 1,500-acre Shabonna Lake State Park. Shabonna Lake is one of the best lakes in Illinois to go kayaking.
Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd, Shabbona, IL 60550, USA
This lake is awesome for fishing or relaxing. At 248 acres, it also has a 13-mile shoreline. Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website to learn more about Washington County Lake.
Washington County Lake, Bolo Township, IL 62263, USA
What do you think of this list of the best lakes in Illinois? What are your favorite Illinois lakes to spend your summer days at? Tell us in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lakes In Illinois
July 15, 2022
Melissa M.
What is the largest lake in Illinois?
Bordering one of the five Great Lakes, Illinois’ largest lake is, of course, Lake Michigan! This gorgeous lake offers plenty of recreation from swimming to boating to fishing. Not to mention the beaches and the parks along its shoreline.
Are there any waterfall swimming holes in Illinois?
Head to Ferne Clyffe State Park and take the Big Rocky Hollow Trail which leads to an intermittent waterfall. Below is a shallow pool that is perfect to cool off, although not deep enough for swimming. Giant’s Bathtub is a massive tiered waterfall at Matthiessen State Park. After your hike, feel free to cool off at the pool below the falls.
What lake has the clearest water in Illinois?
Some of the clearest water in Illinois can be found at Lake Le-Aqua-Na. It’s a man-made lake and crystal clear, perfect for swimming!
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