Lake of Egypt is a hidden gem nestled in Southern Illinois, just south of Marion. It is a reservoir located six miles (10 km) south of Marion, Illinois and covers 2,300 acres (9 km²) with 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline.
Lake of Egypt Map - the lake's irregular shape reveals its origins as a dammed river amidst hilly terrain.
Here, you’ll find a secluded expanse of water spanning 93 miles of wooded bays and inlets. Locals have been coming here for lazy summer vacations, drawn by the serenity and long days of fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation.
The lake has an average depth of 18 feet (5.5 m) with a maximum depth of 52 feet (16 m). As a privately owned lake, it is subject to regulation by its owners and the state. Public access is allowed as are all size boat motors. Waterskiing and jet skis are also permitted in most of the lake.
The Origins of Lake of Egypt
Lake of Egypt was created in 1962 when the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) dammed the south fork of the Saline River. 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.
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It is called a reservoir because it was created by building a dam.
The Name "Lake of Egypt"
And why the name “Lake of Egypt”? Southern Illinois is home to a rich lineage of history. The lake got its name from the "Little Egypt" region of Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois has long been referred to as "Little Egypt." For natives of Southern Illinois who grew up with the understanding that this area of Illinois is frequently referred to as “Egypt,” it is understood why many businesses take on an Egyptian theme.
Some say that this nickname was given to Southern Illinois because of the Egyptian names of some of its towns, such as Cairo, Thebes, and Karnak. Others say that the name “Egypt” was coined for Southern Illinois by frontier explorers because the delta near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at the southernmost tip of Illinois looked similar to the land around the delta of the Nile River in Egypt.
Yet the uniqueness of “Egypt” as the nickname for the southern third of Illinois may best be explained by author Baker Brownell in his book “The Other Illinois”.
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“… Although the legend probably was invented after the fact, it is persistent. There was a drought in the northern counties (of Illinois) in the early 1800’s…the wheat fields dried up, the streams died in their beds. But in southern Illinois rain fell and there were good crops, and from the north came people seeking corn and wheat as to Egypt of old. Thus, the name Egypt.”
A similar situation is described in The Bible (Genesis 41:57, 42:1-3).
“And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.“Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, ‘Why do ye look one upon another?’“An he said, ‘Behold I have heard that there is corn in Egypt, Get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live and not die.’“And Jacob’s 10 brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.”
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.
Recreational Activities at Lake of Egypt
Below ZERO Crappie Fishing at Lake of Egypt, IL
Lake of Egypt is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular activities at Lake of Egypt. Three marinas buzz with boats from dawn to dusk during the summer.
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You can bring your boat to Lake of Egypt. All sizes of boat motors are allowed on the water. If you seek tranquility, explore the quiet inlets for bluegill, bass, catfish, and crappie fishing. Fishing includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and Crappie.
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.
Terms of use from the SIPC are in the "Official Lake of Egypt Rules and Regulations". Since the lake is privately owned, it has its own set of rules. These rules are made by SIPC and the state of Illinois.
Surrounding Natural Beauty
Southern Illinois is bordered on three sides by the Mississippi, Ohio, and Wabash rivers. Several other rivers traverse its countryside, including the Big and Little Muddy, Little Wabash, Saline, and Cache rivers. The southern part of the state is characterized by wooded hills, farms, underground coal mines, strip mines, and low marsh lands.
The Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois covers over 277,500 acres of the region. The Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuse contains many different wildlife including deer, geese, ducks, owls, wild turkeys, and many other bird species. Fifteen State Parks, recreation, and conservation areas are located within the region.
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