Argyle Lake State Park

The Argyle State Park is located on 640 Argyle Park Road in Colchester, Illinois and has long been regarded as a paradise for fishermen. The 1700 acre tract encloses a 93 acre lake that is perfect for this type of sport and attracts anglers from everywhere in the greater Midwest. However, that is not the only thing that there is to do at this most scenic site. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, camping and boating while on the premises. With its convenient location (only 7 miles from Macomb), tourists can easily locate this gem for easy access while on vacation.

Probably the biggest draw to Argyle State Park is the fishing available on the clear blue waters of this scenic lake. There are a great many varieties of fish stocked here including rainbow trout, bluegill and largemouth bass just to name a few. Sportsmen are free to try their luck at “landing the big one” from any of the public boat launches or docks that have been made available for this purpose. A 10 horsepower limit has been set on all craft however, so everyone should be advised of this restriction. However, for the more daring individual, there are also canoes and boat rentals through the park service as well.

Another great activity that is enjoyed by many of the visitors to this place is hiking. With more than 12 trails available, there is something for every age and level of fitness. For bird lovers or nature watchers, the five miles of foot trails provide the ultimate in scenery and wildlife spotting. Most of the trails are rated as difficult, but Pitch Pine and Blackberry are somewhat more moderate and can be accomplished by anyone with a medium fitness level. As a number in excess of 200 bird species habitate this place, it makes for a most eventful way to sight the numerous fowl. Beaver dams have also been reported along Shore trail and they can be easily spotted along the way.

For a day trip, there is no better place than Argyle State Park. Picnickers will enjoy a favorite basket with 10 at least 10 shaded areas that have been strategically located throughout this locations. Families can grab a table with the accompanying grill close by. There is also easy access to the water and kids can have fun on the playground that is near the 3 large shelters on the grounds. The latter are able to be reserved for family gatherings or reunion style parties, and this process is quickly dispatched through an email to the park site.

An overnight stay involves Camping out at this scenic venue. There are 3 separate sites here: Twisted Oak, Big Oaks and Twin Oaks. Each of them have their own amenities and are popular with the visitors who prefer a longer visit. Twisted Oak has 86 sites rated as Class A; Big Oaks has 24 Class B/E sites and 18 Class C sites; while Twins Oaks has 31 Class D sites. Showers, restrooms and disposal stations have also been made available for campers.

Horse lovers will enjoy a 7 mile trail build especially for equestrian riders. There is also a special campground to accommodate the animal as well. Hunters can seek game here at limited times and dates throughout the year. It is advisable to contact the park office to verify game types and regulations.

There are also numerous special events that are held in this area every year. One of the most well attended is the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Show, which is a great way to see many different items that were used in the past. This festival takes place over Labor Day weekend and is a good place to enjoy a slice of Americana. Demonstrations include hay baling, blacksmithing and sawmilling just to name a few. History buffs will enjoy the large number of antique vehicles which are on display here. Treasure hunter will enjoy the huge fleamarket that is held on the grounds where bargains galore can be collected.

Open all year round, Argyle Lake State Park makes the ideal destination for all sports winter related, including snowmobiling and cross country skiing to name a few.

For more information about this exciting vacation spot, visitors are encouraged to call the park office at 309.776.3422.