Sangchris Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sangchris Lake |
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 Sangchris Lake
Location in Illinois
Sangchris Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Christian / Sangamon counties, Illinois, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 39°38′47″N 89°28′37″W / 39.6463°N 89.4770°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Clear Creek |
| Primary outflows | Clear Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 7 mi (11 km) |
| Surface area | 3,022-acre (12.2 km²) |
Sangchris Lake is a large lake in Illinois, USA. It covers about 3,022 acres, which is like 2,289 football fields! You can find it in both Christian and Sangamon Counties. This lake is actually a "reservoir," which means it's a man-made lake.
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About Sangchris Lake
Sangchris Lake was created in 1964. People built a dam across a stream called Clear Creek. This stream is part of the larger Sangamon River system.
Why Was Sangchris Lake Built?
The lake was made for two main reasons. First, it provides a fun place for people to enjoy outdoor activities. Second, it helps cool down a big power plant nearby. This power plant uses coal to make electricity for homes and businesses.
How Big Is the Lake?
The lake is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) long from one end to the dam. Even though it's not super long, its shoreline is very wiggly and jagged. If you walked all the way around the edge, it would be about 120 miles (193 kilometers)! That's a lot of shoreline to explore. Much of this shoreline is now part of the Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area. The closest town to the lake is Kincaid, Illinois.
Who Manages the Lake?
As of 2013, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) takes care of Sangchris Lake and its state park. They make sure the lake is healthy and safe for everyone. The power plant next to the lake is called the Kincaid Power Station. It's a very powerful plant, making 1,108 megawatts of electricity. A company called Dominion Resources operates this power station.
Fishing at Sangchris Lake
Sangchris Lake is very famous for its fishing! Many people come here to catch different kinds of fish. Some of the most popular fish you can find include:
- Crappie
- Largemouth bass
- Striped bass
So, if you love fishing, Sangchris Lake is a great spot to visit!
