Recreational Facilities

Rend Lake

Rend Lake in southern Illinois is an excellent example of the economic impact of a Corps lake.

In the 1970s, the area around the lake was a sparsely-populated agricultural region with coal mining as the primary non-farm employer.

Now, this bustling area draws almost 3 million visitors per year to the 18,000 acre lake and its many beaches, picnic and camping areas. Those visitors spend more than $58 million on food, lodging and other tourist necessities.

Retirees are moving to the area for the recreational opportunities, bringing their retirement and pension incomes with them.

The town square is now lively with visitors who spend tourist dollars at its many antique stores and other shops.

Learn more

• Fast Facts for Rend Lake
• Rend Lake at Corps Lakes Gateway
• What's New at Rend Lake

Making a Difference for You

revised 31 Dec 2011

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Institute for Water Resources | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers