Whether you’re interested in fishing, boating, camping, hunting or family gatherings, Sangchris Lake provides an abundance of recreational opportunities amid native forests of oak, maple, butternut and persimmon.
Totaling 3,022 acres and offering 120 miles of shoreline, Sangchris Lake is so named because it extends into both Sangamon and Christian counties. It was formed in 1964 when Commonwealth Edison built a 50-foot earthen dam across Clear Creek to create a cooling lake for a power plant it was constructing near Sicily.
For day visitors, there are eight picnic areas around the lake, as well as several picnic shelters. Also, there are several gravel parking lots nearby and areas contain tables, grills, water facilities and pit toilets.
A two-slip launching ramp and dock are located on both the east and west sides of the lake for rowboats, canoes and boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less. Strawkas Point launching ramp and dock is located off of Route 104. Sailing is prohibited.
Wildflowers and song birds abound along 3 miles of scenic nature trails, and there are several unique albino deer living in the area. For the equestrian, there is a 5-mile horse trail, and for those preferring greater horsepower, there is an 11-mile snowmobile trail for winter use.
Playground: Yes
Playground Surface: Pebble
Picnic Area: Yes
Shelter/Pavillion:
Restrooms: Yes
Nature Features: Plants & Wildlife, Trails, Paths, & Hiking
Sports Facilities: Snowmobiling
Water Features: Boating/ Boat Ramp, Fishing
For directions and more information: dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/SangchrisLake
