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Lake Marie, situated in the heart of Illinois’s Chain O’ Lakes State Park, offers a diverse and vibrant destination for adventure seekers, wellness enthusiasts, and family travelers. This 480-acre lake, with its 6 miles of shoreline and maximum depth of 35 feet, is a haven for anglers, boasting an array of fish species including largemouth bass, muskellunge, and walleye. The surrounding landscape, characterized by freshwater bogs, river bluffs, and gently sloping hills, is a tapestry of cherry elm, birch, sumac, and spruce trees that paint a picturesque scene, especially during the fall.
Within the park, travelers can engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing on the four trail systems. Winter brings ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on the frozen lake. The park also features picnic areas, boat launches, and camping sites, making it an ideal spot for family vacations. Nearby, explore the natural beauty of the 200-acre native prairie and the 80-acre Nature Preserve. For those interested in culture, the area is close to historical landmarks and museums, although the immediate vicinity is more renowned for its natural attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or quality family time, Lake Marie and its surroundings provide a rich and fulfilling travel experience.
- Surface area (mi)
- 1.18
- Max depth (ft)
- 35.1
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 6.03
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Marie has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Marie. The lake has clear and cool spring-fed waters, and while there is no designated swimming beach, swimming is permissible, especially near the shore and sandbars.
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Lake Marie is a popular destination because it has a sandy beach and hiking trails. It is also surrounded by evergreen pines and offers swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating like canoeing and kayaking. The lake is part of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, making it a scenic and recreational spot.
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In Lake Marie, Illinois, the daily creel limits and minimum length limits are as follows: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass have a 6 fish daily limit with a 14″ minimum length, but no more than 3 can be Smallmouth Bass. Walleye have a 4 fish daily limit with a 14″ to 18″ protected slot limit, only one fish can be over 24″. Muskie have a 1 fish daily limit with a 48″ minimum length. Northern Pike have a 3 fish daily limit with a 24″ minimum length. Flathead catfish have a 3 fish daily limit, with one fish over 28″ and two under 28″.
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There is no public beach at Lake Marie. The lake is primarily used for fishing and does not have a designated swimming beach. It is located near Big Foot Beach State Park, but the beach facilities are not part of Lake Marie itself.
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Towns near Lake Marie include Antioch, Channel Lake, and Lake Catherine. These towns are situated in the vicinity of Lake Marie in Lake County, Illinois. They are part of the larger Chain O’Lakes region.
