Known as a fisherman's
delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational
opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers
picnicking, camping, hiking and boating facilities in a scenic,
natural setting. With its 93-acre lake for boating and
fishing, 5 miles of rugged foot trails through luxuriant virgin
forests and full-service campgrounds, this heavily wooded, 1,700-acre
site is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend or longer.
History
Rich in local history, Argyle Hollow
(now occupied by the lake) once was part of the stage route
between Galena and Beardstown. Several times a week the high-wheeled,
cumbersome coaches with their double teams of horses rumbled through
these beautiful hills and valleys.
The region has been rich in coal, clay and limestone resources. Historically, individuals commonly opened and dug their own "drift mines"
to supplement their income. Several limestone quarries
continue to operate in the region. In 1948, the state purchased the land
from local farmers and homesteaders, erected a dam to create
the lake and dedicated Argyle Lake State Park to the citizens of
Illinois.
Today, whether your preference is viewing
wildflowers and fresh foliage in the spring, picnicking, fishing
and boating in the summer, appreciating the brilliant fall colors
or sledding and snowmobiling in the winter, Argyle Lake State Park
is a great place to visit.
Picnicking
How long has it been since you've packed
a picnic lunch and headed for a park? At Argyle Lake State Park
there are 10 shaded picnic areas complete with tables, grills and water placed conveniently throughout
the park. A playground with swings and a slide located close to the three larger shelters
keeps the children busy. The
shelters are available to reserve for family reunions,
gatherings, etc. Please go to the Reserve America web site at www.reserveamerica.com to make reservations.
Camping
For longer visits, the park offers a
variety of camping opportunities. The Twisted
Oak campground contains 86 Class A (showers and electricity) campsites, the Big
Oaks campground contains 24 Class B/E (electric only) and 18 Class C campsites
(featuring vehicle access and restrooms). The Twin
Oaks campground has 31 Class D (primitive) sites. A disposal
station and restrooms with showers also are available.
Campground reservations
are accepted, at www.reserveamerica.com
Youth Group Application
Concession
and Restaurant
The Shanty Shack II is a quaint, full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoo deck seating located on the edge of beautiful Lake Argyle. The menu features daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, including delicious ribeye steak specials on Saturday nights. On the lower level of the facility, visitors will find a bait shop, boat rental services and a few general store items for people who may have forgotten a few boating or camping essentials for their trip ( including bagged ice and firewood bundles).
The summer 2012 entertainment schedule:
- May 25th, 7-10 p.m, The Beck Brothers
- June 10th, 5-9 pm, Karaoke with "Lucky Lady" Deb Gilmore
- July 14th, 6-10 pm, Karaoke with "Lucky Lady" Deb Gilmore
- August 25th, 6-10 pm, Karaoke with "Lucky Lady" Deb Gilmore
For more specific menu questions or canoe and john boat rental information, please call the Shanty Shack II at (309) 776-3500.
Hiking
The 5 miles of foot trails provide
unparalleled scenic enjoyment. Most of the 12 trails are
classified as difficult to very difficult, but Blackberry and Pitch
Pine trails are rated as moderate. Be sure to look for the beaver
dams along Shore Trail, as well as some of the more than 200 bird species
that call Argyle Lake home.
Boating and
Fishing
The lake is stocked with bluegill,
redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, tiger muskie
and rainbow trout. A 10 horsepower motor limit exists. A public
boat launch and docks are available for boats and pontoons and canoe
and boat rentals are available.
Equestrian
Facilities
For equestrian enthusiasts Argyle Lake offers
a rugged, 7-mile equestrian trail and equestrian campground.
Upland game hunting is allowed on a
limited basis. Please check with the park office for specific dates,
species and regulations.
Argyle Lake is the site of the Argyle
Antique Gas Engine Show, a festive celebration of times past. and
a great way to spend Labor Day weekend. You'll see demonstrations
of wheat threshing, hay baling, sawmilling, sorghum making and blacksmithing.
You also can watch crafters make quilts, whittle and make
rugs. In addition, hundreds of antique tractors, cars and gas engines
are on display. Bargain hunters, enjoy spending time perusing the wares at the giant fleamarket.
Winter
Sports
Open year-round, Argyle Lake State
Park is ideally suited for ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling,
cross-country skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow.
Surrounding Area
To find local attractions, please visit the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Directions
From Chicago, take Interstate
80 or Interstate 88 west to Interstate 74 South
to Route 34. Take Route 34 West to Route 67 turning South
on Route 136. Proceed west to Colchester. The park is
2 miles north of Colchester on Coal Road. Coal Road runs north of
the Sinclair Station in Colchester. |
