23 Lakes In ILLINOIS (Beautiful, Picturesque, & Relaxing)

Illinois, also called the Prairie State of the United States, is famous for its green lands, forests, lakes, waterfalls, and hills.

This is the most popular state and ranked among the most significant gross domestic product contributors, with an above 12.67 million population.

It is the most diversified state featuring beautiful lakes, rivers, wetlands, and highlands.

Do you love sitting near a lake and wondering about life?

This article will highlight some of the most charming and beautiful lakes that are safe for families and tourists.

You’ll get incredible information about these lakes, a wide range of fish species, and lakes suitable for relaxation and picnics.

Keep reading to explore them.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the most beautiful Waterfalls in Illinois.

Lakes in Chicago, Illinois

1. Lake Michigan (Glacial Great Lake)

The ancestor of this lake is prehistoric Lake Chicago, and by volume, it is the 2nd largest, and by surface area, it is the 3rd largest.

It is a Glacial lake in the Great Lakes of America (North).

The word is derived from an Indian word, Ojibwe ᒥᓯᑲᒥ, pronounced as mishigami or michigami, and represents a huge or vast water lake.

Among the Great Lakes, it is the world’s longest lake that entirely resides in the United States.

It housed several shores, including Chicago, Gary, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, and also enhances the water experiences and offers enjoyment to its visitors.

This lake features 250 stairs and a footpath, giving a beautiful and majestic overview of Chicago and the lake.

It also features a wide range of fishes, local parks, beaches, an 18-mile trail, and several picnic points, allowing you to enjoy your day at this lake.

You can experience water and other activities on its beach.

Address: Chicago, IL 60077, United States

2. Rend Lake (Man-Made Reservoir)

In 1962, this lake was established by the Big Muddy River’s blockage, and several wetlands, green lands, meadows, and recreational areas surround it.

It acts as a reservoir providing a rich water source to 60 communities.

This 13-mile lake stores over 228 million m3 of water and supplies above 16 million gallons to a population of three lac people.

Featuring over 162 miles of shore, this place is also declared home to several essential birds, offering an excellent site for observing and hunting.

The depth of the reservoir is 35 ft, and the elevation is over 405 ft.

Blue catfish, Channel catfish, Bluegill, and Largemouth bass are species found in this lake.

It also offers a bike trail, artisans store, visitor center, knee boarding, and swimming.

You’d experience a day full of fun and enjoyment by watching wildlife, golfing, canoeing, biking, and wakeboarding.

In mid-year, it is a well-suited place for recreation and is filled with local people.

Address: Chicago, IL 60077, United States

3. Lake Calumet (Industrial Harbor)

Nestled in the city of Chicago, this is the largest lake and is beautiful on its own.

French colonists have used the word Calumet in Canada since the 17th century.

Due to its location, it is difficult to find tourists and usually crowded the local people.

In the 20th century, it was converted into an industrial harbor from a previous shallow and postglacial lake, and at that time, it was drained into Lake Michigan.

This lake is part of Chicago’s Port and features various wetlands.

It features a 36-hole golf course, Thismia americana species, essential bird species, and a wide range of fishes.

Due to industrial development, Lake Calumet has undergone a series of human alterations and physical changes.

The species of birds are spectacular, making it a well-suited location for hunting and birdwatchers.

Quiet and beautiful, this is the best place for locals to have fun and enjoy their day without disturbance.

Address: Bw 103rd & 130th St, Chicago, IL 60077, United States

4. Lake Opeka (Man-Made Lake)

Built in 1963, this man-made lake is a 40 acres small lake featuring a 60 acres beautiful park on its shoreline for its guests.

It offers various recreational activities and features an 18-hole golf center, Lutheran Church, trails, jogging tracks, picnic areas, grills, and playgrounds.

The visitors can also enjoy volleyball on its sand pit and find Bass, Sunfish, Bullhead catfish, northern pike, and Bluegill fishes here.

You’d experience several ducks, carp, and turtles playing on the water.

It also offers effective learning programs, sailing, and swimming lessons.

This lake is adequately managed and cleaned to remove vegetation that can harm aquatic species.

Boating season remains operational from the start of April to the end of October.

You can enjoy fishing in this lake until dusk and can experience boating, sailing, paddle boating, and picnicking.

Admission is free, but there are charges for other amenities on an hourly and minute basis.

Address: 1015 Howard Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, USA

5. Wolf Lake (Central Location)

Located centrally in Chicago, and Indiana, it is a massive lake of 804-acre length and a significant biological place to visit.

Previously, it was connected to Michigan Lake, but due to heavy industrial damage and transportation, it is less in size than the original.

You’ll witness remnants of development and the Cold War on the lake’s shoreline.

This lake features grassy lands, picnic areas, various trees providing shady spaces, several rooms, footpaths, two bike trails, and natural areas.

Its picnic spots and shady areas make it the best place for family events and reunions.

The Midwest is still the most significant place for invasive and non-invasive plants and animal species and is very bio-diverse and eco-system-friendly.

Bluegill, carp, yellow perch, Largemouth bass, bullhead, and walleye are fish species present in this lake.

It is also infamous for disposing of the bodies in this lake by the local gangsters.

Address: Hegewisch, Chicago, IL 60633, USA

6. Maple Lake (Cook County Lake)

Built in 1920, it is located in Cook County, is home to various species of fish, and offers many amenities to its guests.

Stretching over 60 acres, it has a maximum depth of 21 ft, and its shoreline is 8000 ft, making it suitable for anglers’ lovers to test their skills.

It has various plants, including oak branches, woodland flowers, and Pennsylvania sedges.

The place is also home to several migratory geese, ducks, sparrows, oak savannas, and tufted titmouse.

Featured with flora and fauna, it provides gorgeous scenery to its visitors and offers camping, boat rentals, fishing, biking, picnic, and hiking.

Many visitors witness an unusual light emerging from it at night and consider it a place of miracles.

This place is suitable for recreational activities and makes your day fun with your family.

You can also get boat rentals and fishing supplies from its boating center.

Address: Willow Springs, Chicago, IL 60480, United States

7. Chain O’Lakes (Waterway System)

Although it is not centrally located in Chicago, it is the best place for recreational activities for Chicago residents.

Nestled in McHenry County, on Chicago’s northwest, it consists of a system of five man-made channels and ten lakes that are linked with the Fox River.

It is considered the most crowded and busiest recreational watercourse in the United States.

A state park of 2793 acres is located on the northwest edge, makings a boundary around these three lakes. 

All ten lakes, including natural waterways and man-made, are various in area and depth, making Fox and Grass Lakes the largest lakes.

It is managed and operated by a local Fox Waterway Agency and has worked to improve its recreational activities, and natural quality, promote the travel industry, and manage the flooding.

There are many beautiful houses to observe in this area, and you can enjoy water activities and sports due to the lower waves in the water.

Address: McHenry & Lake County, Chicago, IL 60081, United States

8. Bullfrog Lake (Year-Round Camping)

This is located on the border of Chicago, yet considered a beautiful recreational place for Chicago residents and mapped in this city.

Camp Bullfrog Lake is famous for its year-round camping and in-water recreation activities.

It features meadows, forest lands, high-quality natural areas, hiking trails, and many other sites worth visiting.

The lake also provides an opportunity to explore the Palos Preserves filled with preserved lands and consists of an extensive network of trails system.

Bullfrog offers various free events such as campfires on Friday and Saturday nights, camping skills demos, learning programs, and many more.

It also offers free camping backpacks to limited people featuring binoculars, a compass, and field guides.

You can experience fishing, mountain biking, jogging, skiing, walking, kayaking, boating, birdwatching, ice fishing, and many other activities.

If you are visiting with family, make sure to rent a cabin.

Address: 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs, Illinois 60480, USA

9. Axehead Lake (Inland Trout Lake)

This lake is also famous as an inland trout for Chicago and Illinois.

It was made in 1958, filled with clear water, and provides a hygienic condition for fish, making it a must-visit place for anglers and fishing lovers.

Stretching over 17 acres, it has a maximum depth of 29.9 ft and remains open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Along its edges, Des Plaines River green paths and bike trails are developed by the authority to protect the long course of the D. Plaines River.

These paths work as a beautiful asset for the community and provide an opportunity to explore these lush trails.

You’d observe Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass species of fish.

Other amenities include picnic areas, fishing, parking, and portable bathrooms.

Boating is strictly prohibited there.

Address: S River Road, south of W Touhy Ave Cook County, IL 60018, United States

10. Tampier Lake (Multi-Activity Lake)

This lake was constructed in 1964, is 131 acres in size, and has a maximum depth of 9.4 ft with an average depth of 5.5 ft.

It is a beautiful lake in Chicago Greenbelts and offers many recreational activities to its guests.

Formed by damming the Long Creek, it has three access points, including the boating center and its north and west sides.

It also features a picnic area, making it a well-suited place to visit with the family and enjoy your day.

This lake is home to various fish species, including Channel Catfish, Black and Brown Bullhead, Bluegill, Crappie, Walleye, and many more.

It offers activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, birdwatching, and dogs are also allowed.

Electric motor boats are allowed, but gas motors and swimming are not.

You can experience various activities depending on your crowd and family members.

A delicious lunch can be enjoyed at its on-site restaurant.

Address: West 131st Street, S Wolf Road, Chicago, Illinois 6046, USA

Also see our article on Bridges in Illinois.

Lakes in Champaign, Illinois

1. Clear Lake (Kaufman Lake)

Other names include Kaufman Lake.

Established in 1968-73, this physical and historic lake is situated 2.4 miles away from the Champaign and is most famous for various fishes.

It allows anglers and fishermen to feature Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Walleye, and some local species.

This lake also offers various outdoor recreational activities for families and friends, and many events are scheduled yearly.

Featuring a biking trail of 3.7km, it is a well-known place for local bikers and walkers to show their skills.

Several visitors reported seeing strange creatures and dark shadows in the water.

The Kaufman’s amenities may be utilized and rented by the families for their events and gatherings.

Swimming, ice skating, and fishing are strictly prohibited to ensure guests’ safety.

You can bring your boats, including radio-controlled kayaks and personal canoes, but you must follow the rules.

Address: 2702 West Springfield Avenue, Champaign, Illinois 61822, USA

2. Mattis Lake (Fishing Site)

It is a reservoir-type man-made lake, and if you are looking for a vast area around Champaign, Mattis Lake is that place.

A park stretching over 23 acres surrounds the gorgeous waving waters of this lake and provides beautiful scenery to its visitors.

Featuring open and shady areas, sculptures, picnic areas, gardens, and several bridges, this is a well-suited place for families and friends.

It also features a walking trail of 1000 steps (0.5 miles), and it is the best way to observe all the sights of the park and lake.

You’d experience several ducks playing in the water, flora, fauna, and squirrels on your way.

This place offers a beautiful fishing site to the fisherman, and they can get rich stock of different fish species.

You can also enjoy golfing, exploring the park, dining at its on-site restaurant, and watching a film at the Virginia Theater.

Mattis Lake makes your day enjoyable, and you can explore many historical sites.

Address: 601 Devonshire Dr., Champaign, Illinois, United States

3. Crystal Lake Park (144-Acre Park in Urbana)

Nestled in Urbana, this lake features a mature wooded urban forest, a gorgeous drive along the park, and the saline branch.

The lake is in a beautiful park of 144 acres, which features a vast playground, Lake House, and Labyrinth and offers many amenities.

On its North, the park’s Family Aquatic Center is present, making it suitable for families and friends.

It also hosts many special events and functions throughout the year, such as summer camp and boating and fishing learning programs.

Featuring a diverse variety of fishes, it is well-suited for fishermen and anglers, and fishing is a favorite activity to do here by the residents.

Other amenities include hiking, a multi-purpose trail, a pavilion, a playground, restrooms, and free parking.

Boating is allowed in this lake, and boat rentals are also available.

This park is also pet-friendly; you can enjoy it with your pet on its lake.

Address: 206 West Park Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA

Also see our article on Castles in Illinois.

Lakes in Rockford, Illinois

1. Levings Lake (Entertainment Series)

This lake is most famous for its recreational activities, various showcase, and learning programs.

Every summer, this lake organizes two entertainment series to promote the community’s culture and focus on the community’s interests.

It also features a wide range of emerging talents to perform professionally, such as rappers, musicians, singers, rappers, comedians, magicians, and dancers.

The professional lakers of this lake work on youth and introduce them to outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating.

Levings Park also offers three types of shelters for families to enjoy picnics and events.

You can also play and enjoy various games in its park, including soccer, football, horseback riding, basketball, and golf.

They also focus on improving education, integrity, self-confidence, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning.

You can also register yourself and reserve your shelter online on its website.

This is where you can enjoy fishing, educational trips, and archery.

Address: 1420 S. Pierpont Ave. Rockford, IL 61101, United States

2. Pierce Lake (147-Acre Open Fishing)

Housed in Loves Park, this lake is open to the public for fishing and boating, and it is stretched over 147 acres featuring an average depth of 12.5 ft.

With a pool elevation of 826 ft, the shoreline stretches over 4.9 miles.

It is home to various fish, such as Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Bluegill.

This is the most suitable place for fishermen and anglers, providing them with good fish stock annually.

Historically, it is a man-made lake constructed from a rock quarry and Willow Creek dammed, and the 13-acre land of this park was bought in 1959, now 3092 acres.

The official opening of the lake was in 1961, and it is currently operational for the public and other recreational activities.

Boat rentals are also available, but engines over 10hp are only allowed at no-wake speed.

Swimming is strictly prohibited, but picnicking and camping are allowed, and you can make your day fun with your family.

Address: Rockford, Winnebago County, IL 61101, United States 

Also see our article on Splash Pads in Illinois.

Lakes in Carbondale, Illinois

1. Cedar Lake (Scenic Shores)

This is a reservoir-type lake, and it was developed when Cedar Creek was dammed in 1974.

Stretching over 1750 acres, its 40 miles of shorelines are scenic, and it has a maximum depth of 40 ft with an average depth of 14 ft. 

Lined with dense forests and majestic bluffs on its shores, its blue waters provide the most beautiful site for recreational activities.

Two boat access services are available, one by the Carbondale City and the other by the south forest service.

It also features Camp Beach, located on the north edge, providing a well-suited place for the public and a family picnic.

The anglers and fishermen love this place and find a good stock of these fish, featuring Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Channel catfish, and Bluegill.

Its 14 miles of extensive trails attract local visitors, and they explore a variety of wildlife, such as raccoon, turkey, and white-tailed deer on their way.

You can also enjoy kayaking, boating, canoeing, and camping.

Address: Cedar Creek Road, Carbondale, IL 62903, United States

2. Crab Orchard Lake (Reservoir-Type Lake)

Also called Card Orchard Reservoir is a reservoir-type lake with 6965 acres located centrally in the National Wildlife Refuge.

In 1930, it was created after damming the C. Orchard Creek to provide residents and tourists with a place for recreational activities and flood water control.

The anglers and fishermen will find an enormous stock of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and crappies.

It is argued that due to the presence of coal-fired industry, and sulfur coal, the lake and its water’s population are contaminated with toxic chemicals such as lead and sulfur.

The 44000 acres wildlife refuge containing a diverse range of flora and fauna allows its visitors to explore their habitat and behavior.

Its two campgrounds can be used for the picnic and other activities by the neighboring communities such as Carbondale and Marion.

You can also enjoy other activities such as fishing, boating, camping, panicking, and swimming.

Boat rentals are also available.

Address: 10067 Campground Dr. Carbondale, IL 62918, United States

3. Little Grassy Lake (Warm Water Fishing)

It was made when Little Grassy Creek was dammed, and it is a reservoir-type massive lake consisting of 1200 acres.

Although it is nestled in Williamson County, it is long enough that its two arms enter Jackson County.

This lake is an easily accessible recreational point for neighbored communities, including Carbondale.

Historically, this lake was formed by condemning the hills and farms filled with oak trees, which were unsuitable for farming.

The lake is most famous for warm water fishing and allows fishermen and anglers to get a good quantity of fish, such as Largemouth bass, Bluegill, and Crappie.

Usually, boats are allowed, but there is a specific power limit, and 10hp is the maximum limit for outboard motors.

A U.S. permit is required to access the lake and its wildlife refuge.

It offers several camping, fishing, boating, birdwatching, paddling, and wildlife observation opportunities.

Other amenities include swimming, camping, and picnic sites, learning programs, and pets allowed.

Address: 788 Hidden Bay Lane, Makanda, Carbondale, IL 62958, United States

4. Devils Kitchen Lake (Deepest Water in The Valley)

Like other lakes, it was also created when Grassy Creek was dammed, and it serves as a reservoir and spreads over 810 acres.

It is famous for its maximum depth of 90 ft and is most suitable for rainbow trout because this fish can’t survive in other waters of Illinois.

The boat has three boat-launching services, one on its end and two on its western and eastern shorelines.

Nestled in the valley, Devils Lake has the deepest water and is considered a house of various fishes, including Largemouth bass, Crappie, and Bluegill.

The surrounding lake had no farming potential, so it was condemned by the authorities in 1930.

It offers various amenities such as fishing, camping at campgrounds, boating, wildlife and bird observation, shopping, and cabin rentals.

Be aware of the lake’s sections populated with snags and dead trees stumps if you are fishing.

Swimming is also prohibited.

Address: 625 Tacoma Lake Road, Carbondale, IL 62901, United States

Also see our article on Planetariums in Illinois.

Lakes in Galesburg, Illinois

1. Lake Bracken (Reservoir with Country Club)

A reservoir-type lake most famous for its Lake Bracken Country Club offers visitors a wide range of amenities.

Its outdoor activities allow fishermen and anglers to catch enormous fish, including Largemouth varieties, Channel Catfish, and many more.

You can also enjoy boating with your families and observe copious wildlife habitats, beautiful trees, and forests lining the shores of the lake.

The club also offers recreational and physical activities such as ATV trails, hiking, a playground for kids, a vast park featuring picnic areas, cycling, and pavilions.

It also features a gorgeous private 18-hole golf course that attracts professional golfers and businesspeople to show their skills.

Along with the lake, it has a beautiful fully, featured pool that can be used for families and private events.

The lake also offers membership opportunities, and its pro shop allows you to purchase various accessories and attire for your activities.

Reserve your pavilion to enjoy your parties and reunion events.

Address: 1036 Sunny Knoll Drive, Galesburg, IL 61404, United States

2. Lake Storey Park (Largest Lake, 132.5 Acres)

It is the largest lake, 132.5 acres in a beautiful park of 411 acres, constructed in 1927-1929.

Originally named Santa Fe, and later renamed Lake Storey after President W.B. Storey.

This lake is regularly stocked with various fishes, including Catfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, and Crappie.

Offering a wide range of activities throughout the year, it allows residents to enjoy its scenic view and the wall surrounding the brown sand.

Fishing is allowed here but only with a fishing license, and the daily fishing limit is different for species depending upon the size.

The other amenities include running trails, a beach, swimming, fishing, biking, canoeing, boating, rivers, a pavilion, locker rooms, and showers.

Sidewalks are also available that allow walkers to observe beautiful birds and other abundant wildlife habitats.

Electric motors are allowed, but engines with gas are restricted in this lake.

Swimming is only allowed in particular sections.

Address: North Lake Storey Road, Galesburg, IL 61401, United States

Also see our article on Happy Hours in Illinois.

Lakes in Effingham, Illinois

1. Lake Pauline (Close to Effingham)

This reservoir-type lake is easily accessible to Effingham and is the most suitable place for fishermen and anglers.

It is one of the peaceful oases at a distance of 2.4 miles from Effingham, allowing an easy approach to Effingham hotels, restaurants, shops, and the train station.

The lake has unique and high-quality fish, including Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, and crappies.

Fishermen can find plenty of Bluegill and Crappies ranging in size from 10 to 11.5 inches in different depth sections at night.

Its glassy water attracts visitors and offers boating, camping, fishing, paddling, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.

All types of boats are allowed in this lake, including motor crafts but at a certain speed limit.

Other amenities include cabin rentals, Wifi, boat rentals, camp stores, RV sites, cottages, restaurants, grill sites, and many more.

Address: 1217 West Rickelman Avenue Effingham, IL 62401, United States

2. Lake Sara (800-Acre Reservoir)

Nestled west of Effingham, it is a reservoir-type lake with 800 acres and features various attractions.

It offers a wide range of recreational activities to the community of Effingham and neighboring counties.

The lake was named after Sara Pearson, a potential benefactor, and established in 1955 to control water shortage.

On this lake, you’ll witness scenic views on its shorelines and listen to the splash of the fly striking with the water’s waves.

This park has various picnic areas, a golden sand beach, pavilions, wooded shorelines, two marinas, on-site restaurants, a campground, and golf courses.

You can spend a beautiful day on its coastline with your family or friends and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of its restaurants.

Fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, and kayaking are other activities that can be performed here.

It is reported that this lake will be converted into a 30-acre public recreational park, and proposals are yet to be approved.

Address: Routes 32-33 North Effingham IL 62401, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Swiming Pools, Family Vacations, and Outdoor Activities in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the most beautiful lakes in Texas and California.