CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF HISTORY
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.
- Lake Springfield Marina Boat Launch
- Lindsay Bridge
- Marine Point
- Center Park Sailboat Launch
- Center Park Harbor Boat Launch
- 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??
1. Dividing Dam
2. Marine Point
3. Island Bay Lane
4. Sunset View Fishing Area
More info on fishing areas
here
Water Sports
Perfect place to kayak, jet ski, water skiing, tube and paddle boarding. Bring your own or stop by Lake Springfield Marina and rent them for the day. Other rentals they offer are the famous “Party Barge” a 42’ deck that carries up to 30 people, ski boat or even a pontoon boat.
Check out the Marina's rental page
here
Swimming
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”
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