Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville
	Shelbyville Lake and Dam on the Kaskaskia River
Location	Shelby County, Illinois
Coordinates	39°28′18″N 88°42′50″W / 39.47167°N 88.71389°WCoordinates: 39°28′18″N 88°42′50″W / 39.47167°N 88.71389°W
Lake type	Reservoir
Primary inflows	Kaskaskia River; West Okaw River
Primary outflows	Kaskaskia River
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	11,100 acres (44.9 km2) (normal pool)
Surface elevation	183 metres (600.4 ft)
Settlements	Shelbyville, Illinois

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Lake Shelbyville is a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois and Moultrie County, Illinois created by damming the Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, Illinois. The lake's normal surface pool is 11,100 acres (44.9 km²) at an elevation of 183 metres (600.4 ft). The area that surrounds the lake is the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. The lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the wildlife is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A picture of the dam from its outflow.

$57 million was appropriated for the dam and lake project. Ground breaking on the dam occurred May 4, 1963. Filling of the reservoir began August 1, 1970. The lake was officially dedicated September 12, 1970. The dam is 3,025 feet (922.0 m) long and 108 feet (32.9 m) tall with normal pool height 17 feet (5.2 m) below the top.[1]

Bordering the lake are two state parks: Wolf Creek State Park and Eagle Creek State Park. Lake Shelbyville's coastline is heavily wooded and sandy, so there are some public beaches on the lake. Aside from the main channel of the lake are many coves, perfect for fishing. The lake is deeper than other major lakes in Illinois, so it is popular with boaters during the summer.

There are full-service marinas, resorts, and campgrounds on the lake. There are currently 3 full service marinas in business which are Findlay, Lithia Springs, and Sullivan Marina. Findlay Marina is located north of Marker 5 just past the bridge on the west side of the lake. Sullivan Marina and Campground is located right outside of the town of Sullivan. Lithia Springs Marina is located on the the southern end of the lake. All three offer slip rentals, boat service and sales, and a store to purchase supplies.