An Overview of Illinois' Rivers and Lakes
Major Water Features of Illinois
Illinois is blessed with several significant water bodies. The largest rivers include the Mississippi River, which forms its western border, and the Illinois River, a major tributary of the Mississippi. Lake Michigan, part of the Great Lakes system, borders Illinois to the northeast. Other notable lakes include Lake Carlyle, a reservoir on the Kaskaskia River, and Rend Lake, a reservoir on the Big Muddy River.
Water Sources of Illinois
The rivers, lakes, and streams of Illinois primarily get their water from local rainfall, as well as from nearby groundwater sources and runoff. They are not fed by distant mountains but rather by the local watershed and drainage systems within the state.
Types of Rivers in Illinois
Illinois hosts several major perennial rivers such as the Illinois River and the Mississippi River. Exotic rivers, like the Wabash River, flow through the state, while tributaries such as the Kankakee River contribute to its waterways. The Chicago River, transformed by engineering, serves as a notable distributary. Man-made waterways include the Illinois Waterway and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
Types of Lakes in Illinois
Illinois features various types of lakes. Glacial lakes, formed by retreating glaciers, are common, such as Lake Michigan. Anthropogenic lakes like Lake Carlyle and Rend Lake are reservoirs created by damming rivers for water supply and recreation. The state also has smaller inland lakes, particularly in northern and central Illinois.
Direction of Rivers in Illinois
Rivers in Illinois generally flow southward towards the Mississippi River and eastward towards Lake Michigan. Examples include the Illinois River flowing southwest to the Mississippi and the Chicago River flowing northeast into Lake Michigan.
Origin of Lakes in Illinois
Many lakes in Illinois are manmade reservoirs created primarily for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Examples include Lake Carlyle, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for these purposes.
Usage of Rivers for Transportation
The rivers in Illinois, especially the Illinois Waterway, are vital for transportation, moving significant cargo such as grain, coal, and chemicals. Thousands of barges and ships navigate these waters annually, making them crucial for regional and national commerce.
Dams on Rivers and Lakes
Illinois has numerous dams used primarily for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The Army Corps of Engineers manages many of these dams, ensuring they serve both practical and recreational purposes.
Recreational Activities on Water Bodies
Popular recreational activities on Illinois' lakes and rivers include fishing, boating, kayaking, and houseboating. Lake Michigan, the Illinois River, and Rend Lake are particularly renowned for their recreational opportunities.
Water Support for Agriculture
Lakes and reservoirs like Lake Carlyle and Rend Lake play a crucial role in supporting Illinois' agriculture industry, providing irrigation and water supply for crops and livestock.
Illinois Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Apple Creek, Macoupin Co, Illinois
Apple Creek, Morgan Co, Illinois
Apple River, Carroll Co, Illinois
Apple River, Jo Daviess Co, Illinois
Baldwin Power Plant Lake, Randolph Co, IL
Baldwin Power Plant Lake, Saint Clair Co, IL
Bay Creek, Calhoun Co, Illinois
Bay Creek, Pike Co, Illinois
Beaucoup Creek, Jackson Co, Illinois
Beaucoup Creek, Perry Co, Illinois
Beaucoup Creek, Washington Co, Illinois
Big Bureau Creek, Bureau Co, Illinois
Big Bureau Creek, La Salle Co, Illinois
Big Bureau Creek, Lee Co, Illinois
Big Muddy River, Franklin Co, Illinois
Big Muddy River, Jackson Co, Illinois
Big Muddy River, Union Co, Illinois
Big Muddy River, Williamson Co, Illinois
Bonpas Creek, Edwards Co, Illinois
Bonpas Creek, Richland Co, Illinois
Bonpas Creek, Wabash Co, Illinois
Bonpas Creek, White Co, Illinois
Carlyle Lake, Bond Co, Illinois
Carlyle Lake, Clinton Co, Illinois
Carlyle Lake, Fayette Co, Illinois
Cedar Creek, Fulton Co, Illinois
Cedar Creek, Henderson Co, Illinois
Cedar Creek, Knox Co, Illinois
Cedar Creek, Warren Co, Illinois
Cedar Lake, Jackson Co, Illinois
Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal, Cook Co, IL
Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal, Dupage Co, IL
Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal,Will Co, IL
Crab Orchard Lake, Williamson Co, IL
Crooked Creek, Clinton Co, Illinois
Crooked Creek, Marion Co, Illinois
Crooked Creek, Washington Co, Illinois
Des Plaines River, Cook Co, Illinois
Des Plaines River, Dupage Co, Illinois
Des Plaines River, Lake Co, Illinois
Des Plaines River, Will Co, Illinois
East Fork Kaskaskia River, Clinton Co, IL
East Fork Kaskaskia River, Fayette Co, IL
East Fork Kaskaskia River, Marion Co, IL
East Fork La Moine River, Hancock Co, IL
East Fork La Moine River, McDonough Co, IL
East Fork Shoal Creek, Bond Co, IL
East Fork Shoal Creek, Montgomery Co, IL
Embarras River, Champaign Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Coles Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Crawford Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Cumberland Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Douglas Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Jasper Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Lawrence Co, Illinois
Embarras River, Richland Co, Illinois
Fox Creek, Fulton Co, Illinois
Fox Creek, Knox Co, Illinois
Fox Creek, Peoria Co, Illinois
Fox Creek, Stark Co, Illinois
Fox Lake, Lake Co, Illinois
Fox River, Kane Co, Illinois
Fox River, Kendall Co, Illinois
Fox River, La Salle Co, Illinois
Fox River, Lake Co, Illinois
Fox River, McHenry Co, Illinois
Goose Lake, Bureau Co, Illinois
Goose Lake, Putnam Co, Illinois
Grass Lake, Lake Co, Illinois
Green River, Bureau Co, Illinois
Green River, Henry Co, Illinois
Green River, Lee Co, Illinois
Green River, Whiteside Co, Illinois
Heidecke Lake, Grundy Co, Illinois
Henderson Creek, Henderson Co, Illinois
Henderson Creek, Knox Co, Illinois
Henderson Creek, Warren Co, Illinois
Horseshoe Lake, Alexander Co, Illinois
Horseshoe Lake, Madison Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Brown Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Calhoun Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Cass Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Fulton Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Greene Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Grundy Co, Illinois
Illinois River, La Salle Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Mason Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Morgan Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Peoria Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Pike Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Schuyler Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Scott Co, Illinois
Illinois River, Tazewell Co, Illinois
Indian Creek, De Kalb Co, Illinois
Indian Creek, La Salle Co, Illinois
Iroquois River, Iroquois Co, Illinois
Iroquois River, Kankakee Co, Illinois
Kankakee River, Grundy Co, Illinois
Kankakee River, Kankakee Co, Illinois
Kankakee River, Will Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Champaign Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Clinton Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Coles Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Douglas Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Fayette Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Monroe Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Moultrie Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Randolph Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Saint Clair Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Shelby Co, Illinois
Kaskaskia River, Washington Co, Illinois
Kickapoo Creek, De Witt Co, Illinois
Kickapoo Creek, Logan Co, Illinois
Kickapoo Creek, McLean Co, Illinois
Kickapoo Creek, Peoria Co, Illinois
Kickapoo Creek, Tazewell Co, Illinois
Kinkaid Lake, Jackson Co, Illinois
Kishwaukee River, Boone Co, Illinois
Kishwaukee River, McHenry Co, Illinois
Kishwaukee River, Winnebago Co, Illinois
La Moine River, Brown Co, Illinois
La Moine River, Cass Co, Illinois
La Moine River, Hancock Co, Illinois
La Moine River, Henderson Co, Illinois
La Moine River, McDonough Co, Illinois
La Moine River, Schuyler Co, Illinois
Lake Chautauqua,Mason Co, Illinois
Lake Clinton,De Witt Co, Illinois
Lake Decatur,Macon Co, Illinois
Lake Michigan, Cook Co, Illinois
Lake Michigan, Lake Co, Illinois
Lake of Egypt, Johnson Co, Illinois
Lake of Egypt, Williamson Co, Illinois
Lake Shelbyville, Moultrie Co, Illinois
Lake Shelbyville, Shelby Co, Illinois
Lake Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois
Little Black Slough, Johnson Co, Illinois
Little Muddy River, Jackson Co, Illinois
Little Muddy River, Jefferson Co, Illinois
Little Muddy River, Perry Co, Illinois
Little Muddy River, Washington Co, Illinois
Little Vermilion River, Champaign Co, IL
Little Vermilion River, Vermilion Co, IL
Little Wabash River, Clay Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Edwards Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Effingham Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Gallatin Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Richland Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Shelby Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, Wayne Co, Illinois
Little Wabash River, White Co, Illinois
Mackinaw River, Ford Co, Illinois
Mackinaw River, McLean Co, Illinois
Mackinaw River, Tazewell Co, Illinois
Mackinaw River, Woodford Co, Illinois
Macoupin Creek, Greene Co, Illinois
Macoupin Creek, Jersey Co, Illinois
Macoupin Creek, Macoupin Co, Illinois
Macoupin Creek, Montgomery Co, Illinois
Marys River, Randolph Co, Illinois
McKee Creek, Adams Co, Illinois
McKee Creek, Brown Co, Illinois
McKee Creek, Pike Co, Illinois
McNary Branch,Clark Co, Illinois
McNary Branch,Crawford Co, Illinois
McNary Branch,Jasper Co, Illinois
Meredosia Lake, Cass Co, Illinois
Meredosia Lake, Morgan Co, Illinois
Middle Fork Vermilion River, Champaign Co, IL
Middle Fork Vermilion River, Vermilion Co, IL
Mississippi River, Adams Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Alexander Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Calhoun Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Carroll Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Hancock Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Henderson Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Jackson Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Jersey Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Jo Daviess Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Madison Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Mercer Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Monroe Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Pike Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Randolph Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Rock Island Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Saint Clair Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Union Co, Illinois
Mississippi River, Whiteside Co, Illinois
Mud Creek, Henry Co, Illinois
Mud Creek, Mercer Co, Illinois
Muscooten Bay,Cass Co, Illinois
Newton Lake, Jasper Co, Illinois
North Fork Saline River, Gallatin Co, IL
North Fork Saline River, Hamilton Co, IL
North Fork Saline River, Saline Co, IL
North Fork Vermilion River, Ford Co, IL
North Fork Vermilion River, Iroquois Co, IL
North Fork Vermilion River, Livingston Co, IL
North Fork Vermilion River, Vermilion Co, IL
Ohio River, Alexander Co, Illinois
Ohio River, Gallatin Co, Illinois
Ohio River, Hardin Co, Illinois
Ohio River, Massac Co, Illinois
Ohio River, Pope Co, Illinois
Ohio River, Pulaski Co, Illinois
Pecatonica River, Stephenson Co, Illinois
Pecatonica River, Winnebago Co, Illinois
Peoria Lake, Peoria Co, Illinois
Peoria Lake, Tazewell Co, Illinois
Pistakee Lake, Lake Co, Illinois
Pistakee Lake, McHenry Co, Illinois
Pope Creek, Knox Co, Illinois
Pope Creek, Mercer Co, Illinois
Rend Lake, Franklin Co, Illinois
Rend Lake, Jefferson Co, Illinois
Rock River, Henry Co, Illinois
Rock River, Lee Co, Illinois
Rock River, Ogle Co, Illinois
Rock River, Rock Island Co, Illinois
Rock River, Whiteside Co, Illinois
Rock River, Winnebago Co, Illinois
Salt Creek, De Witt Co, Illinois
Salt Creek, Logan Co, Illinois
Salt Creek, Mason Co, Illinois
Salt Creek, Menard Co, Illinois
Salt Fork,Champaign Co, Illinois
Salt Fork,Vermilion Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Cass Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Champaign Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Christian Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Ford Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Macon Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Mason Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, McLean Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Menard Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Piatt Co, Illinois
Sangamon River, Sangamon Co, Illinois
Sangchris Lake, Christian Co, Illinois
Sangchris Lake, Sangamon Co, Illinois
Senachwine Lake, Marshall Co, Illinois
Senachwine Lake, Peoria Co, Illinois
Senachwine Lake, Putnam Co, Illinois
Shoal Creek, Bond Co, Illinois
Shoal Creek, Clinton Co, Illinois
Shoal Creek, Montgomery Co, Illinois
Shoal Creek, Washington Co, Illinois
Silver Creek, Macoupin Co, Illinois
Silver Creek, Madison Co, Illinois
Silver Creek, Saint Clair Co, Illinois
Skillet Fork,Clay Co, Illinois
Skillet Fork,Marion Co, Illinois
Skillet Fork,Wayne Co, Illinois
S Branch Kishwaukee River, De Kalb Co, IL
S Branch Kishwaukee River, Ogle Co, IL
S Branch Kishwaukee River, Winnebago Co, IL
S Fork Sangamon River, Christian Co, IL
S Fork Sangamon River, Sangamon Co, IL
Spring Creek, Iroquois Co, Illinois
Spring Lake, Carroll Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Clinton Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Logan Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Madison Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Mason Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, McLean Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Menard Co, Illinois
Sugar Creek, Washington Co, Illinois
Swan Lake, Calhoun Co, Illinois
Upper Peoria Lake, Peoria Co, Illinois
Upper Peoria Lake, Tazewell Co, Illinois
Upper Peoria Lake, Woodford Co, Illinois
Vermilion River, La Salle Co, Illinois
Vermilion River, Livingston Co, Illinois
Wabash River, Gallatin Co, Illinois
Wabash River, White Co, Illinois