Beaver Dam State Park (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaver Dam State Park |
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Entrance to Beaver Dam State Park
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 Beaver Dam State Park
Location in Illinois
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| Location | Macoupin County, Illinois, USA |
| Nearest city | Carlinville, Illinois |
| Area | 750 acres (304 ha) |
| Established | 1947 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
Beaver Dam State Park is a special place in Macoupin County, Illinois, in the United States. It's a state park, which means it's an area protected by the state for everyone to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. This park covers about 750 acres, which is like 750 football fields! It's located about 7 miles southwest of Carlinville, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) takes care of the park, making sure it's a great spot for things like fishing.
The main part of Beaver Dam State Park is a 59-acre lake called Beaver Dam Lake. This lake isn't natural; it was made a long time ago in the 1890s by a private fishing club. Later, it became a private vacation spot. During a tough economic time called the Great Depression, the vacation spot closed down. In 1947, the state of Illinois bought the lake and some land around it. Over time, more land was added, creating the Beaver Dam State Park we know today.
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What Can You Do at Beaver Dam State Park?
Beaver Dam State Park is a wonderful place for outdoor fun. It's especially known for its fishing, but there are other activities too. The park is managed by the IDNR to make sure it stays a great place for everyone to enjoy nature.
Fishing at Beaver Dam Lake
If you love to fish, Beaver Dam Lake is a great spot! The IDNR makes sure there are plenty of fish for anglers. You can try to catch different kinds of fish here, including:
- Largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- Channel catfish
- Sunfish
When you're out on the lake, remember there are rules about boats. You can use boats with motors, but they can't be powered by gasoline. This helps keep the lake quiet and clean for everyone.
Other Outdoor Activities
Besides fishing, Beaver Dam State Park offers other ways to enjoy the outdoors:
- Hunting: In certain seasons, you can hunt for animals like deer, wild turkey, and small game. This is done under strict rules to manage wildlife.
- Hiking: The park has about 8 miles of hiking trails. These trails let you explore the beautiful forests and natural areas of the park. It's a great way to get some exercise and see local wildlife.
Nature and Forests
Beaver Dam State Park helps protect a part of the old oak-hickory forests. These types of forests used to cover much of this area. When you walk the trails, you'll be surrounded by tall trees and natural beauty. The lake and the park's land drain into a small stream that eventually flows into Macoupin Creek. This shows how all parts of nature are connected.
