Carlyle Lake, IL

Dancing waves emerge amid fields of corn on the central Illinois prairie. You might think you see a mirage, considering Carlyle Lake was farmland just 30 years ago, before the Corps of Engineers created this huge reservoir (50 miles east of St. Louis). The 18-by-5 mile lake, surrounded by public lands, draws mariners and landlubbers alike. Sun-drenched swimming beaches and marinas where you can rent pontoons or houseboats join forested nature trails to make this one of the state's best-kept-secrets. Bird-watching ranks high on Karen Sandheinrich's to-do list. The resident of Belleville, Illinois, just east of St. Louis sets up camp along the shore with her family at least six times a year. "There's a hummingbird!" Karen exclaims, making a quick grab for her binoculars. She's also spotted great egrets and blue herons. You can rent cozy, modern cottages along the water or stay in brand-new hotel rooms and cottages at Mariner's Village Resort. Whichever accommodations you choose, you almost always get a view of rainbow-colored sailboats bobbing on the lake. The wide-open water, prairie landscape and strong winds make Carlyle excellent for sailing. In fact the only time you may find a crowd is on sunny summer Sundays, when spectators line the shore to watch sailing regattas, some of them Olympic-sanctioned events. Anglers fish for bass, bluegill and channel catfish on the open water or below Carlyle Lake Dam at the south end of the lake. Strollers and bicyclists like to venture across the top of the dam. Just west, you can grab a bite in the county-seat town of Carlyle or golf at Governor's Run, a 36-hole course north of town. But soon, lake breezes that feel almost tropical call you back to the shore.

Related Links: