Lake Sara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Sara |
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Location | Effingham County, Illinois, United States |
Coordinates | 39°08′10″N 88°37′59″W / 39.136°N 88.633°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Lake Sara is a large, man-made lake located in Effingham County, Illinois. It sits about four miles west of the city of Effingham. This special type of lake is called a reservoir, which means it was built to store water. Lake Sara covers a huge area of 800 acres, making it a significant body of water in the region.
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Discover Lake Sara
Lake Sara is a very popular place for both locals and visitors. It offers many ways to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.
Fun Activities at the Lake
There are lots of exciting things to do at Lake Sara. If you love being on the water, you can go boating, fishing, or try kayaking and paddleboarding. For those who prefer to relax by the shore, there's a public beach where you can swim and soak up the sun.
The lake area also has two marinas, which are like parking lots for boats. You can find two restaurants nearby if you get hungry. Plus, there are different places to stay, including rental properties and a campground for those who enjoy camping. If you like golf, you'll find several golf courses in the area too.
How Lake Sara Was Created
Lake Sara was built by an organization called the Effingham Water Authority. This group was formed in 1955. They created the lake because there was a big water shortage in the Midwest at that time. The city council of Effingham voted to create this authority to solve the water problem.
The lake was named after a kind person named Sara Pearson, who was a big supporter of the project. Lake Sara was officially opened to the public on November 10, 1957. A very important person, William G. Stratton, who was the Governor of Illinois at the time, gave a speech at the dedication ceremony.
Making the Lake Even Better
To help fish and other water creatures, special structures have been placed in Lake Sara. These are called habitat enhancement structures. They create good places for aquatic life to live and thrive.
The Effingham Water Authority has also suggested building a 30-acre recreation area at the lake. This plan would help turn parts of the lake into a public park. It would give everyone even more ways to enjoy this wonderful natural space.