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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Illinois Projects


Carlyle Lake
Carlyle Lake Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Especially attractive to sailboaters. Illinois' largest lake. 50 miles E of St. Louis, MO on US 50.

Illinois Waterway Locks and Dams

Thomas J. O'Brien Lock -In Chicago, from I-94, E on 1 30th St., follow signs.

Lockport Lock & Dam -At 1 6th St. in Lockport, 35 miles SW of Chicago and 4 miles N of Joliet.

Brandon Road Lock & Dam -In Joliet at Brandon Rd. crossing of Des Plaines River.

Dresden Island Lock & Dam -I-55 to Exit 240, then 5 miles W, 3 miles N.

Marseilles Lock & Dam -Lock is on south side of river, 2 miles W of Marseilles.

Starved Rock Lock & Dam & Illinois Waterway Visitor Center-Excellent view of the locking process with exhibits. From I-80, 3 miles S on IL 178, 1mile E of Utica, IL on Dee Bennet Rd.

Peoria Lock & Dam -Just S of Peoria, on east side or river.

La Grange Lock & Dam -From La Grange, follow signs S.

Kaskaskia Lock & Dam
Provides a riverside picnic area and visitor overlook at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. Located 3 miles S of IL 3 near Mordoc IL.

Ohio River Locks and Dams

Smithland Lock & Dam -Located on the Illinois bank accessed by New Liberty Road between Brookport and Golconda

. Lock & Dam 52 -Downstream from Brookport

. Lock & Dam 53 -Just upstream from Cairo.


Rend Lake
Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Well known for waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing. Located near Mt. Vernon, IL, 15 miles S of junction of I-64 and I-57.

Lake Shelbyville
Sandy beaches, hiking trails, marinas, and popular lakeside campsites combined with the natural beauty of the area provide an ideal vacation spot. A resort offers rooms, convention facilities and a championship golf course. 60 miles SE of Springfield just off IL 16 and 128.



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[from Outside magazine]