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City of Springfield, IL Water, Light & Power owns and manages Lake Springfield and its surrounding 57 miles of shoreline, which includes over 735 residential sites, eight public parks, and several public boat docks and launches. The lake and lake-area parks are host to some 600,000 recreational visitors each year.
The 4200-acre reservoir is the largest municipally owned lake in Illinois. Lake Springfield’s primary purpose is to serve as the source of drinking water for the city of Springfield and several nearby communities. In addition, it is a major central Illinois recreation center, as well as the source of condenser cooling water for the utility’s lakeshore power plant complex.
Boats allowed on Lake Springfield include canoes, motorboats, pontoons, rowboats and sailboats. Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, are also allowed. Boats and craft of any kind with mast heights of more than 35 feet may be used, kept or stored only on the central basin and central basin marginal land.
Boating is not permitted in the vicinity of Spaulding Dam. A line of “no boat” buoys extending eastward from the shoreline at Dallman Power Plant to the opposite bank places this area off limits to boats.
All boats and other types of watercraft propelled, kept or used on the lake’s reservoir, or stored or kept on the marginal land, must be registered and licensed in accordance with City of Springfield and State of Illinois requirements.
Swimming and wading are permitted in Lake Springfield only in designated areas. Rules and regulations regarding this type of water activity must be followed at all times. CWLP has the authority to prohibit these activities at any time in order to prevent pollution or injury to the lake or to prevent disease or danger to human life.
- Surface area (mi)
- 9.94
- Max depth (ft)
- 27
- Elevation (ft)
- 557.74
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 57.17
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Marinas on Springfield Lake
Nearby lakes
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Springfield Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, you can swim in Lake Springfield, but only in designated areas. Swimming is permitted in “no wake” zones adjacent to non-leased marginal lands and in specific areas approved for swimming and wading.
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Lake Springfield is a popular recreational destination because it offers various activities like boating, fishing, and water sports. It also features eight public parks with amenities such as picnic areas, softball diamonds, and playgrounds, as well as attractions like the Henson Robinson Zoo and Lincoln Memorial Garden.
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Yes, there are specific areas designated for fishing on Lake Springfield in Illinois. These include three posted public fishing areas at the Dividing Dam, Marine Point at Island Bay Lane, and the Sunset View Fishing Area. Additionally, there are two unposted but ADA-accessible fishing piers between East and West Tom Madonia Parks and at Center Park Harbor.
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Springfield Lake Park in Akron, Ohio, is best for families. It has a kids play area, a jungle gym, and a walking trail. The park also offers fishing, swimming, and a small boat launch, making it a pleasant setting for family activities.
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Towns near Springfield Lake in Illinois include Chatham, Williamsville, and Athens. These towns are located within a few miles of Springfield, with Chatham being about 9.26 miles away. Lake Springfield is also close to the city of Springfield itself.
