See below for some info and ideas when visiting the lake.

Boating

Boats are allowed on the lake. All boats will require a boat license from the State of Illinois AND the City of Springfield. More info here  

Offering 6 public boat launches around the lake. 

1. Lake Springfield Marina Boat Launch
2. Lindsay Bridge 
3. Marine Point 
4. Center Park Sailboat Launch
5. Center Park Harbor Boat Launch
6. Spaulding Dam

Fishing

Lake Springfield is a highly ranked fishing lake. You can fish from the shore or bring your boat and fish from the water. There are about 15 species of fish that can be caught including bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, white bass & white crappie just to name a few.  Visit IDNR website for more details on other fish species.

Looking for an easy to find marked location to fish?? 

Water Sports 

Swimming is allowed from your boat, but only allowed in designated areas. It is NOT allowed off of the shore line. Read the Swimming Health Advisory here along with more info on swimming.

Vachel Lindsay Bridge

This is a 1394 foot bridge that runs over the lake connecting East and West Lake Drives. Sharing its namesake with Famous Poet, Vachel Lindsay, who was born and raised in Springfield. Built in 1933, this is one of the rarest concrete ached bridges, sharing a similar design to the Belle Isle Bridge in Michigan. It’s a beautiful drive during sunset, as the colorful rays bounce of the water or drive across in the evening as the cool light fixtures that line the bridge guide your way across.

Parks

There are 8 public parks around the lake with 35 picnic areas, along with horseshoe pits, 6 softball diamond, numerous playgrounds, and a volleyball court.

Sites along the Lake 

Stroll through Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center’s 5 miles of trails through Illinois landscape Lincoln would have known. Find yourself along the shore line and enjoy a breeze off the water. 

Over 90 species of native and exotic animals call the Henson Robinson Zoo home. Animals that are native to Asia, Australia, Africa and North and South America. 

A challenging 18 hole golf course called Lincoln Greens Golf Course. Located on 240 acres and bordering the beautiful lake this is a great place to golf. 

Theatre under the stars at the Springfield Muni. A local outdoor theatre that hosts 4 Broadway shows every June, July and August. 

Fun Fact: In 2010 former Mayor Davlin declared the month of May “Lake Springfield Month”