Lake Lou Yaeger

Lake Lou Yaeger is a city-owned, 7.5 mile long, 1400+ acre lake with 45 miles of beautiful shoreline.  With its two marinas, beach area, campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds, there is no limit to the fun and relaxation waiting for you and your family. 

Boating
The lake has two marinas with gasoline and supplies located at Marina #1.  With no horsepower limit or speed limit restrictions, the lake is a favorite for area boaters and skiers.  Because there are no jet skis or wet bikes allowed on Saturdays, Sundays or weekends, the lake is a great place to take a leisurely, scenic ride in the family boat.

Fishing    
Fishing is a favorite pasttime at Lake Lou.  The fish population consists of largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.  Fishing licenses are available on site.

  Bald Eagles
In 2005, American Bald Eagles were spotted at Lake Lou Yaeger, and have taken up residence since that time. Located south of Marina #1, the nest is visible from the point with binoculars. The lake point is a long, narrow peninsula which juts nearly 1,000 feet into the lake. The point has been developed into a park with covered pavilions and benches, offering an excellent view of both upstream and downstream. Fishing is popular at the point with a special handicap accessible platform available.

Camping
If you are looking for a weekend in the outdoors, Lake Lou Yaeger has two campgrounds available.  The Bicentennial Campground has water and electric hookups along with a full service shower house.  2011 rates are $20 per night.  Tent camping is available at the primitive campsite which offers a community water faucet along with flush toilets.  Rates for tent camping for 2011 are $12 per night.  Both campgrounds are open 7 days a week from April 1 to October 31.

Camping cabin now available!  In cooperation with the Litchfield School District Building and Trades Department, the first of a series of camping cabins has been constructed for placement at Lake Lou across from Picnic Area #3.  The cabin, which can accomodate 4 people, is equipped with electricity and a small table and chairs.  Outside there is a grill, picnic table, and water with a full service shower house close by.

 Blake Lowry Horse Camp
The Blake Lowry Horse Camp is a unique facility that provides oversize campsites for horse owners.  The area is open to the public without reservations and provides a camping area with space available for vehicles and horse trailers.  City water, night lights, and outhouses are on site.  Several miles of horse trails lead from the camp area through the woods surrounding the lake.

Picnicking
The 300 acre park area surrounding the lake has four beautiful picnic areas, each in its own clearing within a wooded area. Three of these picnic areas, which can be reserved for a family or social gathering, have a pavilion, flush toilets, and a large parking lot. Picnic area #3 has electricity and a playground. The playground located up the hill from Marina #1 has been refurbished with a variety of equipment that is sure to delight the children in your life, and there are benches and picnic tables for the adults.

For camping or picnic area reservations, please call 217-324-4771.

Beach and Swimming
Milton Beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year from noon-5pm Monday through Friday and 11am-6pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.  The beach, staffed with certified lifeguards, features a large sand area for relaxing, building sand castles, and a high and low diving platform.  Facilities include an air conditioned snack bar, shower house, and restrooms.

Birthday parties at Milnot Beach include use of the air conditioned concession area for two hours and entrance to the beach for up to ten children.  There is $3 charge for each additional child or adult.  Call 217-324-5832 or 217-324-4023 for detailed information and reservations.

Hiking and Nature Trails
There are two hiking trails available, easy enough for a young child while offering a nice scenic walk in the outdoors.  The trailheads are clearly marked and are located across from Picnic Area #4 and at the entrance to Picnic Area #3.

Shoal Creek Nature Conservation Area provides a great hiking experience, opportunities for birders, botanists, and nature photographers.  Established in 1990, it is located on the east side of the lake across the dam.  Two self-guided nature trails were constructed to observe wildflowers and wildlife in a unique barrens-savanna habitat.  Over 700 species of plants and over 70 different kinds of butterflies have been identified within the Shoal Creek Conservation Area.

Group tours can be arranged in advance by calling the Tourism office at 866-733-5833 or 217-324-8147.