It is hard to find a better summer activity than kicking back on a boat in the middle of a southern Illinois lake. 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. 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.

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.
jeremiah.jahn/wikipedia
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.
Gary Todd/Flickr

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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.
Ken Mulligan/AllTrails
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.
City of Carbondale Government/Facebook
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.
Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza, 218 W Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Brian J/TripAdvisor

Get an aerial view of this idyllic lake:

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Cedar Lake in southern Illinois? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Looking for more beautiful lakes in southern Illinois? This crystal-clear lake is a real-life oasis!

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The Natural Beauty of Illinois

William Suphan | June 22, 2023

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois include:

  • Cave-in-Rock. This water-carved limestone cave with a 55-foot entrance was formed over millions of years and was once a hideout for bandits.
  • Matthiessen State Park. The canyons here have interesting striations and there are beautiful waterfalls hidden throughout.
  • Garden of the Gods. This is one of the most gorgeous places in the state with 300-million-year-old rock formations.
  • Starved Rock State Park. In these canyons, some trees grow out of the sides almost horizontally and there are all sorts of lovely hiking trails.

Learn more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois. 

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Illinois?

Bucket list natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Bork Falls. The waterfall here drops into turquoise waters and it’s a wonderful swimming hole during the summer months.
  • Pomona Natural Bridge. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this natural rock bridge is 90 feet across and 30 feet high.
  • Burden Falls. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, this one is 35 feet tall and is made up of several smaller falls.
  • Giant City State Park. There are swirling, otherworldly rock formations here that look like they’d be at home on an alien planet. 

Find out more about bucket list natural attractions in Illinois. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois?

The most scenic hiking trails in Illinois include:

  • Illinois Beach State Park. There are few places more beautiful than a beachside hiking trail. There are 6.5 miles of shoreline to hike here.
  • Castle Rock State Park. There are boardwalk hikes here with amazing views of the rolling hills and lush forests in this park
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park. There are 18 trails in this park that will take you to forests, waterfalls, and lovely fields.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park. While the verdant foliage is a sight in itself, there are also bison that roam the area that are a wonder to behold.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois. 

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