Shoal Creek (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shoal Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of the creek's west fork and middle fork southwest of Hillsboro 39°05′05″N 89°32′39″W / 39.0847691°N 89.5442544°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Kaskaskia River near Okawille 400 ft (120 m) 38°29′00″N 89°34′38″W / 38.4833827°N 89.5773125°W |
| Basin features | |
| GNIS ID | 418443 |
Shoal Creek is a stream located in the state of Illinois in the United States. It begins near a town called Harvel, Illinois and flows south. On its journey, it passes through Lake Lou Yaeger before joining the Kaskaskia River close to Okawville. This creek helps drain water from parts of Montgomery County, Bond County, and Clinton County.
About Shoal Creek
Shoal Creek gets its name from the many shoals and sandbars found along its path. A shoal is a shallow place in a river or sea. A sandbar is a long, low ridge of sand in the water. These shallow areas made it hard for early Native Americans and pioneers from Europe to use the creek for traveling or trading goods.
How Shoal Creek is Used Today
Even though it was not used much for travel long ago, Shoal Creek is very important today. People use it for many different things. It is a popular spot for fun activities like boating and fishing. It also helps control floods, provides drinking water, and is used to make electricity.
Lakes Along the Creek
Several lakes have been created along Shoal Creek and its smaller branches. These lakes are very useful:
- Lake Lou Yaeger and Lake Glenn Shoals are located more to the north. Many people enjoy boating and fishing in these lakes.
- Coffeen Lake is another lake on Shoal Creek. It used to be home to the Coffeen Power Station. This power plant was a large facility that generated electricity, but it is now closed.
- Governor Bond Lake is located further south. This lake provides water for the town of Greenville, Illinois.
