About Baldwin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking, or all the above? This state-owned and operated site in southeastern St. Clair County has it all! Baldwin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area features an expansive waterfront, well suited for a variety of activities. But what makes this 2,018-acre lake unique is that while it does serve as a destination for public recreation, it's actually a perched cooling lake that was installed for the adjoining (and active) Baldwin Power Plant.

Water from the nearby Kaskaskia River helps maintain sufficient water levels for the plant's cooling operations, and hot water then flows out from the plant back into the lake, creating a unique ecosystem that allows for year-round fishing and draws a wide variety of waterfowl and wildlife. Although activities like swimming, water skiing, and sailboating are not permitted on the lake, visitors are welcome to take to the waters on a motor boat or paddle boat.

The site also features a network of natural surface hiking trails and standard accommodations like picnic tables, handicap-accessible restrooms, and ample parking.