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Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
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SHABBONA LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
SHABBONA LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
4201 Shabbona Grove Rd.
Shabbona, Illinois   60550

Phone: 815-824-2106
Reservations: 815-824-2106
Email: park email button icon
Just miles west of Chicago, off U.S. 30, urban sprawl gives way to 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318.8 acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

A unique mix of grass-covered meadows, upland mesic woods, bottomland woods, and a native, undisturbed fen, make this an ideal location for natural relaxation and outdoor activity. You can see sedges, cattail, marsh marigolds, horsetail, skunk cabbage, turtlehead, iris, blue joint grass and bulrushes. Also enjoy the areas of prairie restoration throughout the park which features prairie grasses such as Big Blue Stem and prairie flowers such as purple cone flower.

With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.

In addition, Shabbona Lake contains a 15-acre seasonal nesting area for migratory waterfowl such as Canvasback, redhead and pintail ducks and Canada Geese.
History of the Area
Originally home to tribes of Native Americans, the park derives its name from Chief Shabbona. Pioneer settlement of the area began in the 1830's. From Shabbona Grove, in the southeast corner of the park, homesteaders spread over the region and began farming the rich soil.

In 1965, it was decided to develop a lake and recreation area on the site, and land acquisition was begun in 1969. By 1978, 1,550 acres had been obtained. In 1973, the lake area was cleared of trees, the shoreline was modified and earthen fishing piers and fish congregators were erected. By 1975, a 3,000-foot-long earthen dam with a concrete spillway was completed and the lake was formed. Day use facilities were constructed in 1976 and continue to serve the public today. In 1995 a restaurant, boat rental and bait and tackle facility was opened for business. This facility provides a sit-down eating area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a fully stocked bait and tackle shop. Boat rentals include boats with and without motors.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Cabins
Two camp cabins are available at the park. The cabins have no water or toilet facilities but have two rooms and will accommodate a maximum of 6 people. There is electric baseboard heat so they can be used year-round. The cabins can be reserved for a fee. Contact the park office for further details.
Camping
The campground has 150 Class A sites with electricity, vehicle access, a sanitary dump station and a shower building with flush toilets. All facilities are handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted for certain sites. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground. One family per campsite or four unrelated adults with up to two tents are allowed. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. You must have your camping equipment and be ready to camp when you arrive; you cannot hold a site. Campgrounds may be closed during the spring thaw due to road conditions and shower facilities close during the winter. To check on campground status or for further information, phone the camp station at 815-824-2565 or the park office 815-824-2106.
Park Store
Facilities are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, bait and tackle sales, and boat rental on a seasonal basis. Call 815-824-2581 or visit the concession website for further information on concession facilities.


Location
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is located near Dekalb, Rochelle and Sandwich

Picnicking
Visitors can picnic at any of three major day use areas situated along the western shore of the lake. Parking, water and rest rooms are available, as well as horseshoe pits. Shelters may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the park office to make reservations.
Trails
Just over eight miles of scenic hiking and cross-country skiing trails weave through the wooded areas of the park. A trail brochure is available at the office. A specially developed cassette tape can guide you along on the "Touch the Earth" trail. The tape and a special brochure is available at the park office.
Area Attractions
Winter Sports

In addition to the cross-country skiing available on the nature trails, the lake is ringed by a 7-mile snowmobiling trail open January 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when conditions permit. Snowmobilers must register with the park office. Ice fishing and ice skating are allowed when the ice is thick enough, and the rolling terrain is ideal for sledding and tobogganing.

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Area Campgrounds
Hi-Tide Recreation
4611 East 22nd Road
Leland, IL
815-495-9032
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
72.3 miles from park*
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Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
29.4 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Within a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock and even closer to Matthiessen State Parks you will find a gorgeous, tranquil property with spacious cabins on 50 wooded acres. All with full kitchens and outdoor fire pits. 3 dog friendly.
37.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Shabbona Lake State Park is easily accessible from the Chicago area via I-88. Take I-88 west to the Sugar Grove exit, which is approximately 2 ? miles west of the Aurora toll booth. Take US 30 west from Sugar Grove approximately 22 miles to Shabbona. Visitors from the Northeast or Southeast, take IL Rt 47 to US 30 west to Shabbona. Visitors from the Southwest or Northwest, take I-39 to US 30 (exit 87). Directional signs are on the exit ramps. Take US 30 east 7 miles to Shabbona. From the DeKalb area, take IL Rt 23 south to US 30, then take US 30 west to Shabbona. The park entrance is on Preserve Road, approximately ? mile south of Shabbona. Signs in Shabbona will direct you to the park.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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