Looking to get out on the water? ...the Metro East is bursting with boating opportunities! From the Mississippi River (accessed in Alton) to the Kaskaskia River (accessed in southern St. Clair County), the region has various lakes and rivers that are prime for recreational motorized boating, both for leisure and sport.
Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area in southern St. Clair County is home to 20 different lakes and ponds, many of which allow the use of motorized boats. And not far from Peabody River King are two access points for the Kaskaskia River, one in Fayetteville and the other in New Athens. Both are small, charming river towns with public boat slips along the river (and plenty of local dining and shopping options, too!). Or venture further south and visit the Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area—a sprawling 2,018 acre cooling lake for the nearby coal power plant. Other popular boating destinations include, but are not limited to, Silver Lake in Highland, IL and Horseshoe Lake in Pontoon Beach, IL.
Metro East Boating Map
MEPRD’s Boating Map displays public bodies of water and boat launch points located throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL.
