Here at OnlyInYourState, we like to share the love — and that includes not gatekeeping hidden gems, like the Kinkaid Lake spillway in Illinois! There is more than enough natural splendor to go around in the Land of Lincoln, and today’s feature destination is truly one of the best. Here’s why you need to plan a visit to the sublime Kinkaid lake swimming area in Illinois this summer:

The spillway is a fun place to splash in Murphysboro, Illinois. It is located at the end of the lake. This is one of the best-kept Illinois secrets, and locals love to hike here!
Curtis Abert/Flickr
Lots of people perch on the three-level cascade.
Curtis Abert/Flickr
You will definitely want to wear sandals to navigate the rocks. Folks brave the slippery rocks and strong currents to reach the tranquil freshwater pool!
curtis abert/Flickr
Seriously -- be careful: the surface can actually be pretty slippery.
Spillway at Kinkaid Lake/Facebook
And depending on rainfall, there can be a fairly strong current, too!
Spillway at Kinkaid Lake/Facebook
Locals love to traverse the rocky paths and winding trails to the lake, an amazing freshwater pool. Truly, the freshwater pool is totally the best part.
The Spillway at Kinkaid Lake/Facebook
But getting to this swimming hole can be a bit tricky... so be careful!
The Spillway at Kinkaid Lake/Facebook
This swimming hole in Illinois is located at the end of the eponymous lake and is perfect for swimming during the warm months. To get there, set your GPS to 1 Spillway Rd., Murphysboro. We'll see you there!
The Spillway at Kinkaid Lake/Facebook

Have you visited this swimming hole in Illinois before? What a refreshing place for a summer swim! Who’s going to get their bathing suit on a take a dip… we know we are!

Looking for more amazing swimming holes in Illinois? Here are 10 amazing natural pools that offer true R&R on a hot summer’s day in the Land of Lincoln!

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Kinkaid Lake swimming hole in Illinois

Sarah M. | July 12, 2022

What are some other beautiful swimming holes in Illinois?

In addition to Kinkaid Lake, we are blessed with an abundance of lovely options for swimming holes in Illinois! A few of our favorite places to make a splash include:

  • the lake at Independence Grove
  • Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
  • Silver Springs State Park
  • Bork Falls, Rend Lake
  • Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park.

What are the best beaches in Illinois?

You don't have to travel to the coast for an amazing beach day in Illinois; our state has some of the best beaches in the U.S., we think! And they're not just what you'll find in the Great Lakes region, either; many are inland beaches that are true hidden gems in Illinois. Some of our favorite beaches in the Land of Lincoln include:

  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Lighthouse Beach
  • Oak Street Beach
  • Northwestern Beach
  • Glencoe Beach
  • Lake Shelbyville.

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Kinkaid Lake, Illinois, USA