*Today’s post is part of a series of weekly posts focusing on the Seven Wonders of Illinois. As a reminder, be sure to take part in our Seven Wonders Photo Contest.
The confident swoosh of a driver sending a golf ball down a bunker lined, pristine fairway or the splash of your favorite lure hitting the surface of the calm and cool waters of Illinois’ second largest man-made lake are just some of the sounds you will enjoy at Rend Lake, one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven of recreational activities at Rend Lake. With 18,900 acres of water and more than 20,000 acres of land in Jefferson and Franklin counties, Rend Lake provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Overnight visitors can camp at the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, and for those who prefer a softer bed, the Rend Lake Resort offers beautiful waterside rooms and marina facilities. For both the sport and commercial fisherman, an abundance of fish can be found here, including striped bass, flathead catfish, crappie and channel catfish. And finally, a championship 18-hole golf course offers stunning views of the area.
But Rend Lake is more than a sportsman’s paradise. It is what you will find all over Southern Illinois – the arts, culture, bike trails, antiques, golf and more. From Rend Lake you are just a stone’s throw from the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, downtown Benton’s antique district and a number of museums and wineries.
So whether you want to experience the trails on horseback or on a bike, love to find a hidden treasure in a quaint antique store or dine on our special Southern Illinois cuisine, this one of the Seven Wonders is for you.
