Located just six miles (10 km) south of Marion, Illinois, the Lake of Egypt offers a tranquil escape with its pristine waters and scenic surroundings. This hidden gem in Southern Illinois is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a playground for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Let's explore the history, features, and activities this beautiful lake has to offer.
Lake of Egypt Map - the lake's irregular shape reveals its origins as a dammed river amidst hilly terrain.
The Origins of Lake of Egypt
Lake of Egypt was created in 1962 when the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) built a dam on the South Fork of the Saline River. It is called a reservoir because it was created by building a dam. The lake got its name from the "Little Egypt" region of Southern Illinois.
Little Egypt: A Region Rich in History
Southern Illinois has long been referred to as "Little Egypt." This nickname may be the result of the practices of early settlers from Northern Illinois who traveled to Southern Illinois to buy grain after a series of bad winters and droughts. These wagon train folks recognized the similarities between themselves and the ancient Israelites who went to Egypt to buy grain grown in the rich Nile Delta. Additionally, one notices the existence of many Egyptian names such as Carmi, Cairo, Thebes, Karnak, Goshen, and Dongola. In 1960, when Southeastern Illinois College was formed, a sphinx was included in the official seal of the college to honor the "Little Egypt" heritage shared by the people of the college district. Southeastern's competitive teams have always had the falcon as their mascot. In Egypt, the king was thought of as a living god. While alive, he was Horus, the falcon-headed skygod, sitting on the magic Isis throne. At one time, a stone pyramid, approximately 12 feet high, sat on the front lawn of the campus adjacent to College Drive.
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Key Features of Lake of Egypt
The Lake of Egypt is a significant body of water with several notable characteristics:
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- Location: Williamson and Johnson Counties, in the Little Egypt region of Illinois.
- Surface Area: Covers 2,300 acres (9 km²).
- Shoreline: Features 90 miles (145 km) of shoreline.
- Average Depth: Has an average depth of 18 feet (5.5 m).
- Maximum Depth: Reaches a maximum depth of 52 feet (15.8 m).
This lake covers a big area, about 2,300 acres (9 km²). It also has a very long shoreline, stretching for 90 miles (145 km).
Regulations and Access
The Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) owns Lake of Egypt. They built the lake in 1962. They needed a lot of water to cool down their power plant, which uses coal to make electricity. Since the lake is privately owned, it has its own set of rules. These rules are made by SIPC and the state of Illinois. Terms of use from the SIPC are in the "Official Lake of Egypt Rules and Regulations".
People are allowed to visit the lake, and all sizes of boat motors can be used. Waterskiing and jet skis are also permitted in most of the lake. Public access is allowed as are all size boat motors.
Activities and Attractions
Lake of Egypt is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
Boating and Water Sports
The calm waters of the Lake of Egypt make it an ideal setting for boating and water sports. It's a perfect opportunity for kids and adults alike to try their hand at water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. These activities not only offer a thrilling experience but also foster teamwork and build confidence. Remember to check local regulations and safety requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure on the water.You can bring your boat to Lake of Egypt. All sizes of boat motors are allowed on the water.
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Fishing
Fishing at the Lake of Egypt is an activity that transcends age, making it perfect for family bonding. The lake's waters are teeming with bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, providing an excellent opportunity for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Teaching your kids to fish is not just about catching fish; it's about teaching patience, respect for nature, and the joy of quiet moments. Fishing includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and Crappie.
Swimming and Water Park Fun
Nothing beats the heat like a dip in the Lake of Egypt. The lake features several designated swimming areas that are perfect for families. Kids can splash around in the water while adults relax on the shore. Don't forget to bring sand toys for the little ones to enjoy the beach areas, ideal for building sandcastles or playing beach games.
Adding to the aquatic fun, the Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday offers a fantastic water park. This family-friendly attraction includes a massive floating obstacle course, providing an extra layer of excitement to your lake visit. It's a great alternative or complement to lake activities. The water park at the KOA Holiday is a perfect spot to keep the kids entertained and cool off after a day of exploring the natural beauty surrounding the Lake of Egypt.
Hiking
The area surrounding the Lake of Egypt is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with trails that cater to all skill levels. Hiking with your family is a fantastic way to connect with nature and each other. It's an educational journey as well, with opportunities to teach kids about local wildlife, plants, and conservation. The trails offer breathtaking views of the lake and the lush landscapes of Southern Illinois, providing a backdrop for unforgettable family photos.
Camping
If you want to stay overnight, you can go Camping at Buck Ridge Campground. Camping at the lake is allowed at Buck Ridge Campground, part of the Shawnee National Forest.
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Marinas
There are three marinas around Lake of Egypt. Marinas are places where you can dock your boat, get supplies, or rent equipment.
Lake of Egypt vs. Lakes of Egypt
The lakes of Egypt are blessed tears that fell from the heavens to bring life to the lands of Egypt. Out of all the many treasures and exceptional beautiful attractions, landscapes, and landmarks to witness in Egypt, among them are the gorgeous lakes in Egypt that are known for their crystal water and their ability to reflect the amazing natural beauty of Egypt.
Here's a brief overview of some famous lakes in Egypt:
- The Magic Lake in Fayoum: Considered one of the most impressive lakes, surrounded by Rocky Mountains and sand dunes, known for its magnificent changing colors and mineral-rich waters used for medical purposes.
- Lake Nasser in Aswan: One of the largest man-made lakes in the world, created due to the construction of the High Dam of Aswan, named after President Gamal Abd El-Nasser, offering Nile cruises and attractions like the Abu Simbel Temple.
- Lake Moeris (Qarun Lake): Came into existence due to natural processes like the overflow of the Nile, connected with geological changes and ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, serving as a source of fresh fish and holding historical significance.
- Siwa Oasis Lakes: Located in the Western Desert, known for astonishing landscapes and hot springs, with high salt concentration in the waters offering healthy medical properties.
- Lakes of Wadi Al-Rayan: Surrounded by captivating landscapes and sand dunes, offering a place to relax, with two separate lakes made of a lower lake with a space of 62.00 km2 and an upper lake with an area of 50.90 km2 and many waterfalls between the two.
- Lake Burullus: The second-largest lake and one of the best national parks in Egypt, located in the governorate of Kafr El-Sheikh, considered a protected area and environmental site.
- Lake Mariout: The biggest fresh lake in Egypt, connected to the Nile River through canals, serving as a source of irrigation and drinking water, with ruins of an ancient replica of a great lighthouse and temple on its shore.
- Lake Bardawil: Found on the northern coast of Sinia, a high saline lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow sandbar, home to many sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
- Toshka Lakes: Created as a result of periodic overflow from Lake Nasser, playing a pivotal role in the Toshka New Valley project, with high saline levels.
- Lake Manzala: A massive Brachkish lake in the northeastern part of Egypt on the Nile delta, the biggest among Egypt's northern deltaic lakes, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a great sand strip.
- Idku Lake: A freshwater lake connected to the Mediterranean Sea, possessing a distinguished ecosystem with fresh water meeting saline sea water.
Lake of Egypt Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Williamson and Johnson Counties, Illinois |
| Surface Area | 2,300 acres (9 km²) |
| Shoreline Length | 90 miles (145 km) |
| Average Depth | 18 feet (5.5 m) |
| Maximum Depth | 52 feet (15.8 m) |
| Primary Inflows | Saline River |
| Primary Outflows | Saline River |
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