Bangs Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bangs Lake |
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from the Northeast shore
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 Bangs Lake
Location in Illinois
Bangs Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wauconda, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 42°15′56″N 88°07′59″W / 42.26556°N 88.13306°W |
| Type | glacial |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. depth | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Shore length1 | 6.3 mi (10.1 km) |
| Surface elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Bangs Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Wauconda, Illinois. It was formed by glaciers long ago, making it a "glacial lake." The lake is named after Justus Bangs, who was the first person to settle permanently in Wauconda back in the summer of 1836.
Justus Bangs is also believed to have named Wauconda itself. Some say he named it after a Native American character from a story he had read. However, another idea is that Wauconda was named after an important Indian chief. This chief is thought to be buried on the southern shore of Bangs Lake.
In the early 1900s, Bangs Lake became a popular vacation spot. The Palatine, Lake Zurich and Wauconda Railroad brought many visitors from Chicago to Wauconda. People loved spending their holidays on the beaches of Bangs Lake. This continued to be a popular trend through the 1960s. You might even recognize the lake from a movie! In the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, some beach scenes were filmed right along the shores of Bangs Lake.
Fun Things to Do at Bangs Lake
Bangs Lake offers many exciting activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. It's a great place for outdoor adventures and family fun.
Summer Adventures
During the warmer summer months, Bangs Lake is a hub of activity. You can go swimming to cool off on a hot day. Boating is also very popular, whether you're cruising around or trying out water skiing.
The lake is also a fantastic spot for fishing. Many different types of fish live here. You might catch bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, or yellow perch. The lake has also hosted special events, like the Bangs Lake Multisport Festival in August 2010. This event included different races such as an Olympic Triathlon, a Duathlon, and an Aquabike.
Winter Fun on the Ice
When winter arrives and the lake freezes over, Bangs Lake transforms into a winter wonderland. It becomes a perfect place for ice skating. Many people also enjoy ice fishing during this time.
A special event called the Walk on Water Charity Ice Fishing Derby takes place here each February. This ice fishing event helps to raise money for the Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund. It's a fun way to help a good cause while enjoying the winter outdoors.
