When you close your eyes and think of summer, what do you see? Maybe you're a kid at the park playing pick-up games with your friends. Or do you see a relative at the grill in a goofy apron and hat, slinging burgers? Perhaps you and the family are all piled into the car, headed out on a road trip. We all probably have different visions when it comes to summer, but one of the most common expectations during the perfect summer is a day at the lake. And if you want a fun day on the water, Lake of Egypt in Illinois is the perfect place for you.
Lake of Egypt was created in 1962 by damming the south fork of the Saline River. There are currently three marinas that serve the lake.
The name of the lake comes from the nickname of the area -- "Little Egypt." The lake is located about six miles south of Marion, Illinois, and covers about 2,300 acres.
Boats of certain sizes are allowed in the lake, as are jet skis and waterskiing. If you're looking to fish you can expect to see largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and more.
Shawnee National Forest is situated along the southeast side of the lake. Camping is allowed year-round in the general forest area where campers are allowed to spend up to two weeks in one location.
The lake is actually owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative which stipulates all lake rules and regulations. They created the lake in 1962 in order to give cooling water to their coal-burning power plant.
It is hard to find a better summer activity than kicking back on a boat in the middle of one of the southern Illinois lakes. Picture yourself surrounded by your closest friends, a beverage in hand, with the sun shining down as you rock back and forth in the beautiful waters of remote lakes in Illinois. There are tons of popular lake destinations throughout the great state of Illinois, but sometimes it's the smaller lakes in southern Illinois that can offer the calm visit you might be after. That's where Cedar Lake in southern Illinois is the perfect fit, and it's one of the best lakes in Illinois.
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The 1,750-acre reservoir was created in 1974 thanks to the damming of a tributary of the Big Muddy River. The original construction of the lake was for the purpose of supplying water to the residents of nearby Carbondale, Illinois.
Carbondale, with a population just north of 25,000, is home to the main campus of Southern Illinois University. Founded in 1853, the town is located in Jackson County in southern Illinois.
While Cedar Lake was created to provide tap water to nearby residents, locals quickly found that it's a great place to take in the views on a hike or cool off with a quick dip. The lake is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 51.
The calm waters also offer the perfect opportunity for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. In fact, those looking to catch some fish can expect to come across bass, catfish, and bluegill.
If you're going to make the trek to Carbondale, and you're looking for lunch or dinner surrounding your visit, you can't go wrong at Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza. Located at 218 W. Freeman Street, it's consistently ranked as one of the best pizza spots in the state.
Have you had the pleasure of visiting Cedar Lake in southern Illinois? Do you think it's one of the best lakes in Illinois? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Looking for more beautiful lakes in southern Illinois? Get your kayak ready because this crystal-clear lake is a real-life oasis:
One of the most well-known swimming holes in the state, Bell Smith Springs is the epitome of a natural wonder. Sandstone cliffs line some parts of the park's trails and huge boulders create fascinating forms in vibrantly blue pools. Today, this spot draws attention from around the state for being one of the best cliff jumping spots around. Beyond that, there are swimming areas, narrow staircases and a one-of-a-kind ladder that has transformed this rocky wonder into a kind of natural water park.
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Bell Smith Springs is located within Shawnee National Forest.
I suggest plotting your path based on whether you want to start your day swimming and dry in the sunshine, or if you'd prefer to build up a sweat and cool off at the end.
Some visitors to the park mentioned going cliff jumping at points across the park.
Do so at your own risk, and always double check the depth of the water before you leap!
While the thrills of visiting Bell Smith Springs gravitate around the water and the massive rocks, there are some other features in the park that will get your heart pumping.
This stone staircase cutting through the sandstone can turn treacherous if you try to run up with wet feet! Sometimes dogs and even young children have found this climb a little nerve-wrecking, but there is an alternative route to get down if need be.
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The Devil’s Backbone sounds like it could be the name of a high-speed waterslide thrill, doesn’t it?
A huge canyon runs through the park. Standing at the top of the cliffs, you can enjoy a scenic view of the rock formations that makes them seem almost abstract.
If you decide to tack on some hiking to your water park adventure, check out the Mill Branch Trail.
While I wouldn't go so far as to suggest tubing down these, they could be fun to explore by foot for a little while. Definitely pack some hardy water shoes for this journey!
I'm preparing my road trip snacks now to make sure I get out to Bell Smith Springs as soon as I can. If you are planning to make it out to Ozark, Illinois but don't think you will safely make it home, consider renting an RV to give yourself a little extra time and space to enjoy the journey. Are there any 'attractions' at this natural water park we didn't mention? Let us know!
