The Most Beautiful Lake in Illinois That Most People Have Never Heard Of

As a kid, I distinctly remember driving past a certain hidden lake in Illinois on our annual road trip from Chicago to southern Illinois to visit family. Located in Franklin and Jefferson Counties, Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water, yet doesn’t receive nearly the attention it deserves. With endless opportunities for recreation on the water, this underrated lake in Illinois is well worth adding to your Midwest bucket list.

Why Most People Have Never Heard of This Lake

Frankly, Chicago steals a lot of the attention from Illinois. With Lake Michigan as the staple lake of the state, it's easy to forget that Illinois is home to many other incredible bodies of water. Rend Lake is located about a 4.5-hour drive from Chicago in southern Illinois. As a result, it simply doesn’t receive the same amount of tourism as the northern Illinois megalopolis. However, don’t let its more remote location fool you—this beautiful lake in Illinois shouldn’t be taken for granted.

What Makes This Lake So Beautiful

To me, what makes this massive lake so beautiful is its location. Situated in the middle of prairie and farmland, it's not something you necessarily expect to see in southern Illinois. Due to its size, its coastline is also scattered with green trees and hiking trails. I’ve always found it to exude a simple beauty, and driving past it has always been the highlight of my Illinois road trips.

What You Can Do at This Lake

In addition to its beauty, Rend Lake is filled with opportunities for recreation. Growing up, we’d spend long weekends renting a cabin or hotel room near the water's edge. There are two designated swim areas, Sandusky Beach and North Marcum Beach. Visitors also have opportunities for boating and fishing. For those who want to keep their feet on dry land, there are walking and biking trails, the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Complex, the Rend Lake Shooting Complex, and plenty of picnic areas. 

Further, the eastern shores of the lake are home to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area. Within the state recreation area, you’ll have opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and even hunting.

What To Know Before You Go

While Rend Lake is open year-round, the best time to visit is the summer. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures for swimming and longer days. For day use of the boating ramps and swimming areas, expect to pay a $5 fee. Annual $80 passes are also available. As mentioned, Rend Lake is a respectable drive from Chicago. However, it's only 90 minutes southeast of St. Louis, Missouri.

Is It Worth the Trip?

A visit to Rend Lake is well worth the trip. All these years later, and I still vividly recall the excitement of driving up on Rend Lake. Plus, it offers a little something for everyone. If you’re a family, there are endless things to do to keep the kids busy. If you’re a couple, you’ll find beautiful sunsets and cozy lodging options that make you feel like you’re on your second honeymoon. Whatever the reason you find yourself in southern Illinois, Rend Lake is one of the best nature destinations in Illinois that should never be overlooked.