We all know that Chicago is perfectly situated on one of the Great Lakes, which makes this city so exceptional and explains why everyone eagerly anticipates the arrival of summer.
Have you seen the crowds at the lakefront when the temperatures reach 70 degrees?
However, it’s not just Chicago; most of the Midwest is ideally positioned in the Great Lakes region, so there’s no shortage of beautiful lakes during the summertime.
Despite the greatness of the Great Lakes, they aren’t the only large bodies of water in the state. Devil’s Kitchen Lake—located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on the opposite end of the state—offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and recreation.
This National Wildlife refuge gem is Illinois’ deepest inland waterway
This reservoir is notable for being the deepest body of water in Illinois, with depths reaching 90 feet, according to the state’s official tourism website. That’s about 50 feet deeper than Carlyle Lake, Illinois’ largest inland lake, and around 65 feet deeper than Crab Orchard Lake, which is located just a few miles to the north.
The lake was created in the late 1950s by damming Grassy Creek to support the area’s water supply. Luckily for visitors, the reservoir is known for its rocky bluffs and clear waters, spanning 810 acres in a deep valley. The perfect place for a kayaking excursion, if you ask us.
It features many fingers to explore, framed by a mix of dense woods, rocky bluffs, and hidden coves. You’ll find several launch points for kayaks and canoes, including a spot just off Tacoma Lake Road at the southern end of the lake.
Once your arms are tired from paddling, you can switch to hiking on the trails. The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 40,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, forests, and various other terrains.