Between Indy And St. Louis Is A Lesser-Known Park With A Scenic Lake For Fishing, Boating, And Camping

If you're cruising between St. Louis and Indianapolis on Interstate 70, you may not know you're minutes from the great outdoors. Sandwiched between both cities in Southern Illinois lies Mill Creek  Park and Lake, a 2,600-acre outdoor recreation area with an 811-acre lake at its center. Whether you need to break up a long road trip, or just need a break from the city, you'll find plenty to do for a day or weekend of outdoor fun at this hidden gem. Spend the day on a boat with a fishing rod in hand, and the evening roasting a few s'mores over a campfire. Or, tackle a few trails on your mountain bike or dirt bike.

After nearly two decades of community efforts in Clark County, Illinois, Mill Creek Park and Lake came to fruition when a dam was constructed on the south end of Mill Creek Lake. Since opening in 1982, the park has added amenities that rival those of state parks, including a large seasonal campground, cabins, and even a marina. One fact that may surprise visitors, though, is that Mill Creek Lake has no beaches and no lifeguards. Swimming is limited to coves.

If you're making the trip to the Midwest from across the country, consider flying into popular Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is highly acclaimed for its travel experience. For motorists along I-70, you have about two-and-a-half hours of driving time from St. Louis and less than two from Indy. From Chicago, it's less than a four-hour drive.

Travelers looking to take in the beautiful scenery around Mill Creek Park have several options at their fingertips. The county-managed marina at Mill Creek Park rents pontoons, paddle craft, and Jon boats to cruise around for the day and take in the 39 miles of wooded shoreline. Ski boats and tubes, however, aren't available, and if you're planning to water ski or tube on the lake, you'll have to tow your own boat. Launch fees for jet skis and pontoons are $24 for travelers coming from outside of the district and $30 for other boats.

If you're an angler in the area, you may be torn between visiting Mill Creek Lake or the largest inland lake in Illinois, which is renowned for fishing and camping. Mill Creek Lake is teeming with fish and has been stocked since 1980. It's best known for its largemouth bass fishing, though anglers can also catch bluegill, muskie, and channel catfish. Having a boat will help you reach the lake's quieter coves, where bigger fish lurk. Once you've got a fish on, you'll likely want to get the camera ready. According to iFishIllinois, 44% of the largemouth bass in the lake are over a foot long. More serious anglers can enter one of several public fishing tournaments hosted at the park throughout the year. 

If you'd rather spend time off the water, Mill Creek Park also has a well-developed and maintained trail network. Hikers and bikers can explore the quiet 9-mile singletrack Fay Pickering Memorial Trail network that runs through an old-growth forest and offers scenic views of the lake. Off-road enthusiasts can navigate about 15 to 20 miles of OHV trails through the woods or climb hills in a specially designated OHV area on the lake's west shore.

While Mill Creek Lake and Park is just a few miles away from I-70, you may feel a world away when surrounded by greenery at the park's campground. The lakeside camping area has 139 available campsites and hosts guests spending the night in 45-foot RVs as well as traditional tent campers. Apart from a small primitive camping area, all campsites have electricity as well as access to water and showers nearby. Couples or groups of visitors who are looking to level up their comfort can stay in one of six fully furnished cabins, which provide all of the comforts of home, with the exception of bedding. Reservations are available in advance on the park's website through Campspot.

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat around the lake, Tingley's Lakeside Oasis is a small gas station beside the lake's entrance that serves meals and sells last-minute items such as ice or fishing tackle for a day on the water. The restaurant offers daily specials ranging from pulled pork nachos to egg rolls. If you're planning to spend a weekend on the lake and need groceries and a fishing license, you'll find a Walmart in nearby Marshall. 

Illinois is affectionately known as the "Land of Lincoln," and the president's travels across the state as a boy had a tremendous impact on his life and future presidency. If you're a history buff, don't miss exploring the Lincoln Heritage Trail Road, which touches the park, or visiting nearby Lincoln Trail State Park, which has similar activities on a larger scale.