Argyle Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Argyle Lake State Park |
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 Argyle Lake State Park
Location in Illinois
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| Location | McDonough County, Illinois, United States |
| Nearest city | Colchester, Illinois |
| Area | 1,700 acres (690 ha) |
| Established | 1948 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
| Argyle Lake | |
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 Argyle Lake
Location in Illinois
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| Location | McDonough County, Illinois, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°27′19″N 90°47′20″W / 40.45528°N 90.78889°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 93 acres (38 ha) |
| Max. depth | 37 ft (11 m) |
| Surface elevation | 611 ft (186 m) |
| Settlements | near Colchester, Illinois |
Argyle Lake State Park is a beautiful state park in Illinois, near the town of Colchester. This large park covers about 1,700 acres (that's over 680 hectares!). It is home to the lovely 93-acre Argyle Lake. The park also has about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of hiking trails and many wooded campsites for visitors to enjoy.
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Park History
Argyle Lake State Park was created in 1948. The state of Illinois bought the land from local farmers to make this special place.
How Argyle Lake Was Made
Argyle Lake is an artificial lake. This means it was made by people, not by nature. It was created by building a dam across a nearby water source. Before the lake was there, this area was known as "Argyle Hollow." In the 1800s, this hollow was part of an important stagecoach route. Stagecoaches were like old-fashioned buses that carried people and mail between towns. This route connected the towns of Galena and Beardstown.
Local Resources
The area around Argyle Lake was once very important for its natural resources. People found lots of coal, clay, and limestone here. These materials were used to make things like bricks and pottery. While many of the old brick and pottery businesses have closed, some limestone quarries are still working today.
What to Do at Argyle Lake State Park
Argyle Lake State Park is a great place for outdoor adventures!
Hiking and Exploring
The park has about 5 miles of hiking trails. These trails let you explore the beautiful woods and enjoy nature. You can see different kinds of trees and maybe even some wildlife.
Camping and Picnics
If you love spending time outdoors, you can go camping at Argyle Lake State Park. There are many wooded campsites where you can set up your tent or park your RV. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic too, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Fishing and Boating
Argyle Lake is a popular spot for fishing. The lake is 93 acres big and can be up to 37 feet deep. You can also enjoy boating on the lake. It's a fun way to spend a day on the water.
