This article has been retired and no longer being updated. For fresh travel inspiration, explore our homepage.
NatureBeaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Illinois

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Lena, Illinois, offers a clean, clear lake for swimming and other water activities.

Published Jul 28, 2016

Written by 

Laura Meli

When it comes to finding a great place to swim, you definitely want to find some place with super clean, clear water. You can't ask for a better venue than at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park. This park is located in Lena, Illinois.The lake is actually man-made; however, the filtration systems in it account for why it is so clean and clear. Of all the lakes in Illinois, it is one of just a few that use this device to keep it so fresh. It is a 40 acre lake. To get out onto the water, there is a nice sandy beach.

If swimming isn't your thing, you can also take a boat out along 1.4 miles of wooded shoreline. There is also plenty of fish, and there's even a separate children's fishing pond.

alt
John Poplett/Flickr
alt
John Poplett/Flickr
alt
Ryan Afflerbaugh/Flickr

And here is a great video showing just how nice this state park and lake are.

youtube embeded image

Looking for other places to swim? Check out Kincaid Spillway.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences

The Hidden Attraction in Texas That People Still Seek Out to This Day

Head underground to this hidden attraction in Texas to discover local legends about bootleggers and ghostly sightings. It's worth the trip!

by Melanie Johnson
on Jun 5
Views of the rock formations inside Cave Without a Name, a hidden attraction in Texas.
Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Illinois

From zip-lining to trekking with goats, these are five of the most outdoorsy towns in Illinois you need to add to your bucket list.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 5
A canyon in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
Stays

This Campground Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Perfect for an Ohio Escape

This secluded campground near Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
White tents on platforms arranged in a semi-circle with green trees in the background and a picnic table visible.
Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Hungry Mother State Park

With a walkable main street, beautiful architecture, and plenty of Appalachian charm, Marion is the perfect home base for all your state park adventures.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
Historic brick bank building in downtown Marion, Virginia, on a street corner with mountains in the distance.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Pictured Rocks Is One of Michigan’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 5
Point-of-view shot from a red kayak gliding over smooth blue water toward a pine forest at Au Train Lake, Michigan.