Somonauk Creek facts for kids

Somonauk Creek is a stream that flows through the state of Illinois in the United States. It is a branch, or "tributary," of the Fox River. The creek joins the Fox River near a town called Sheridan.

This creek is about 36 miles (58 kilometers) long. It starts about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Waterman.

Lake Holiday: A Special Part of the Creek

A section of Somonauk Creek was changed to create a lake called Lake Holiday. This lake is located south of the village of Somonauk.

Why Lake Holiday Was Built

Long ago, the area near the City of Sandwich had another lake called Lake Davis. But this lake was drained in the early 1900s to create more land for farming. Later, the community realized they missed having a lake for fun and recreation.

So, the people of Sandwich and the Village of Somonauk worked together. They decided to build a dam on Somonauk Creek. This dam created the new Lake Holiday.

From Recreation to Community

At first, Lake Holiday was promoted as a fun place for people from the Chicago suburbs to visit. It was a spot for holidays and outdoor activities. Over time, more and more people wanted to live near the lake. Because of this, the area around Lake Holiday became a permanent neighborhood with houses all around it.

Towns and Counties Along Somonauk Creek

Somonauk Creek flows through or helps drain parts of several towns and counties in Illinois.

Towns and Villages

The following towns and villages are located within the area that Somonauk Creek drains:

• Somonauk
• Waterman
• Sheridan (only a part of this town)

Counties Drained by the Creek

The creek also helps drain parts of these Illinois counties:

• DeKalb County
• LaSalle County