You Want a Lake? Illinois Has You Covered (Unless You're Looking for an Ocean, Then It Gets Awkward)
Ah, Illinois. The Prairie State. Land of Lincoln... and apparently, a whole lot of water! If you're planning a trip and wondering where to take a dip, a kayak, or maybe just a really good long look at some aquatic scenery, then you're in the right place, my friend. Because Illinois, despite its not-exactly-coastal location, is surprisingly packed with all sorts of watery wonderlands.
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| What Bodies Of Water Are In Illinois |
The Big Guys: Bordering on the Best
Let's get the obvious out of the way first. Illinois shares borders with some real heavyweights in the river world. We're talking the mighty Mississippi River (the longest in the whole country!), the Ohio River (famous for its mussels... and maybe some not-so-great-tasting catfish?), and the Wabash River (known for its... well, let's just say it's a river).
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Fun Fact: Did you know that the Mississippi River is so wide at some points in Illinois that you can't even see the other side? That's a lot of water! (Although, with catfish that size, maybe not being able to see the other side is a good thing...)
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The Not-So-Big Guys: Still Pretty Great
But hey, not everyone wants a river the size of a small state. Illinois caters to all water enthusiasts, with a whole bunch of fantastic smaller rivers and streams. The Illinois River, for example, winds its way through the heart of the state, perfect for a relaxed afternoon paddle. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, there's the Kaskaskia River, with its dramatic bluffs and historical significance (fun fact #2: pirates were once a problem here, believe it or not!).
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Local Tip: Be sure to pack your bug spray when adventuring near any Illinois body of water. Trust us, the mosquitos here are no joke (unless you're into that sort of thing).
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The Lakes: From Michigan's Majesty to Local Legends
And then there are the lakes! Illinois boasts some real stunners, from the vastness of Lake Michigan (one of the Great Lakes, no big deal) to the beauty of Lake Shelbyville (known for its excellent fishing and even better sunsets). There's also Rend Lake, a man-made marvel that's become a haven for boaters and beach bums alike.
Word to the Wise: If you're planning on swimming in any Illinois lake, be sure to check the water quality reports first. Not all lakes are created equal, you know?
So You Want to Get Wet in Illinois? How To...
- Find a lake for swimming? Check out the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for a list of public beaches and their water quality reports.
- Rent a kayak or canoe? Many state parks and local outfitters offer rentals.
- Fish for that elusive giant catfish? Grab a fishing license and head to the Mississippi River (but maybe bring a friend... those catfish can get BIG).
- Avoid the crowds (and the mosquitos)? Explore some of the lesser-known rivers and streams. There's a whole watery world out there waiting to be discovered!
- Just relax and enjoy the view? Pack a picnic basket, find a pretty spot by the water, and soak up the scenery. Illinois might not be an oceanfront paradise, but it's got a watery charm all its own.
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