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Lake Springfield, Illinois, USA

Lake Springfield at Springfield, Illinois is the largest municipally owned lake in Illinois at 4,234 acres. City Water, Light & Power built the reservoir primarily as a source of drinking water for the city and a source of condenser cooling water for the their power plant complex. As an added byproduct, it has become a major recreation center for central Illinois. Along the lake’s shoreline, visitors will…
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    • All About Lake Springfield, IL

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Illinois - Central Illinois -

    Lake Springfield at Springfield, Illinois is the largest municipally owned lake in Illinois at 4,234 acres. City Water, Light & Power built the reservoir primarily as a source of drinking water for the city and a source of condenser cooling water for the their power plant complex. As an added byproduct, it has become a major recreation center for central Illinois.

    Along the lake’s shoreline, visitors will find multiple public parks, several public boat docks and launches, a marina and a large sandy beach with a swimming area making access to Lake Springfield easy and abundant. Windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, motorboats, pontoons, rowboats, and sailboats are enjoyed by many visitors.

    With many public fishing spots along the shoreline, anglers may have hard time choosing the perfect spot. It has been noted that about 15 different species of sport fish have been caught here over the years. The largest percentage of fish reeled in from Lake Springfield include channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, carp, striped bass, and tiger muskie.

    City Water, Light, & Power have also set aside land for two wildlife areas. Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve is 340 acres of land located at the western-most end of Lake Springfield. With hiking trails throughout the preserve, visitors will enjoy the wide variety of native flora and fauna along the hills and marshy land. The Wildlife Sanctuary is about 12 acres and has a small playground, picnic areas, and a dock that allows access to the park from the lake.

    Lake front living is available at Lake Springfield through City Water, Light & Power’s real estate division. There are over 700 home sites along the shoreline, but the land is owned by City Water, Light & Power. The homes are privately built and owned by the land lease holders.

    For some time away from the fun at Lake Springfield, visit the city of Springfield, Illinois which has been the state capital since 1837. The most famous Springfield resident was the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Numerous historic sites throughout the city document Lincoln’s life including the only home he ever owned which is now a national park. Other sites of interest include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Tomb, his law office, and the depot where he left for Washington, DC.

    If hunger pangs strike after a swim in Lake Springfield, Springfield offers a wide range of restaurants with varied menus. For a taste of history, try a “cozy dog”, more commonly known as a corndog on a stick, which was claimed to be invented here. Also, alleged to be started in the city is the first drive-thru window in operation in the United States which is still open for business today.

    Whether your visit is for one day or two weeks, you will find a variety of vacation rentals to meet your needs. Hotels and motels are located around the area with rates to fit most any budget. Bed and Breakfast Inns abound including some with historic significance of the area. Multiple campgrounds and RV parks are located throughout the the Lake Springfield locale.

    With the excitement and attractions of Springfield, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone on your trip. Add in all the fun of swimming, fishing, and boating, at Lake Springfield and this trip will be provide lasting memories for all. Plan your visit today.

    Things to Do at Lake Springfield

    These are some activities in the Lake Springfield, IL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • National Park
    • Museum
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Springfield?

    Lake Springfield has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Carp
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Flathead Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Pike
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Tiger Muskellunge
    • White Crappie
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Springfield

    If you’re considering a Lake Springfield lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Springfield Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Springfield lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Springfield Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Not Known

    Water Level Control: City Water Light and Power

    Surface Area: 4,234 acres

    Shoreline Length: 57 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 561 feet

    Maximum Depth: 30 feet

    Drainage Area: 265 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Lake Springfield Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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