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Lake Charles (Illinois) facts for kids

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Lake Charles
Location of Lake Charles in Illinois, USA.
Location of Lake Charles in Illinois, USA.
Lake Charles
Location in Illinois
Location of Lake Charles in Illinois, USA.
Location of Lake Charles in Illinois, USA.
Lake Charles
Location in the United States
Location Vernon Hills, Illinois, U.S.
Coordinates 42°15′18″N 087°57′48″W / 42.25500°N 87.96333°W / 42.25500; -87.96333
Type reservoir
Basin countries United States
Surface area 39.1 acres (15.8 ha)
Average depth 3.84 feet (1.17 m)
Max. depth 10 feet (3 m)
Shore length1 1.03 miles (1.67 km)
Surface elevation 689 ft (210 m)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Charles is a cool spot located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, in the United States. It's not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir. This means it was created by people, often to store water. Lake Charles is a popular place for outdoor activities and is looked after by the Vernon Hills Park District.

Discover Lake Charles

Lake Charles covers about 39.1 acres, which is like 30 football fields! Even though it's a reservoir, it's a great place for nature and fun. The deepest part of the lake goes down about 10 feet (3 meters).

What is a Reservoir?

A reservoir is a human-made lake. It's usually built by damming a river or stream. Reservoirs are important because they can store water for drinking, farming, or even to help control floods. Lake Charles serves as a nice local spot for recreation.

Fun Activities at the Lake

Lake Charles Park offers lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you're in luck! Fishing is allowed here. There's even a special fishing pier. This pier lets anglers cast their lines further into the water, hoping to catch a big one.
  • Boating: For those who enjoy being on the water, Lake Charles has a small canoe launch. You can bring your canoe or kayak and paddle around the calm waters. It's a peaceful way to explore the lake.

Who Lives in the Lake?

Lake Charles is home to several types of fish. If you go fishing, you might catch:

  • Bluegill: These are small, colorful fish common in many lakes. They are fun to catch, especially for beginners.
  • Largemouth Bass: These are bigger, popular sport fish. They are known for putting up a good fight when caught.
  • Sunfish: This is a general name for a group of fish that includes bluegill. They are often bright and lively.

Lake Charles is a great example of how a human-made lake can become a wonderful place for wildlife and people to enjoy.

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