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.
Lake of Egypt Community/Facebook
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.
Lake of Egypt/Facebook

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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.
AnnaMA176/TripAdvisor
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.
Lake of Egypt/Facebook
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.
AnnaMA176/TripAdvisor

 

Have you ever been to Lake of Egypt in Illinois? If so, how would you recommend others spend their time there? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more places like paradise in Illinois? There are many!

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Lake of Egypt, Southern Precinct, IL 62959, USA