Lake Bloomington in Illinois

Trip Overview

Lake Bloomington in central Illinois is a great day paddle, put-in at green spaces around lake (motor boat ramp at north end crowded and steep), many summer homes and camps on this 560 acre lake. Dam end is popular for fisherman, water is murky but clean and swimming permitted but no public beach. Lake is property of Bloomington Illinois, but surrounding homes are private with long term land leases.

The crescent shaped lake is busy with motor boaters in summer (40hp limit) and waves can be issue, stay close to shore. South end is more isolated, shallow thus few boats (generally pontoons only), but deer, heron and gull abound, and in high water can paddle down Money Creek. No stumps or stones, and plenty of neat old and new homes locally (some fancy!) with a smile and wave for all paddlers. Great day paddle; bring your own water and snacks. Lake Police boat on patrol for safety, assure your boat is registered (IL sticker).

Accommodations:

Green space parks and picnic tables, portable toilets only. No drinking water.
No camping here, but it is available at Lake Evergreen, across I-39.

Fees:

None.

Directions:

Interstate 39 North out of Bloomington (access from I-55 and I-74), Lake Bloomington exit. Put-in at green space by dam (north end of lake, plenty of parking) or at small green space at midlake--drive around lake for details.

Resources:

Delorme Gazetteer Illinois.