Lake Shelbyville

The 11,000-acre Lake Shelbyville offers plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking and swimming. Sun yourself on one of the public beaches or dock your boat at one of three marinas located around the lake.

CITY: Shelbyville

Buxton's Garden Farm

Pull up to Buxton's roadside stand to buy in-season vegetables, pumpkins and festive Indian corn.

CITY: Sullivan

Family Aquatic Center

This aquatic center has a frog slide, water slide, wet playground area, a sand playground, concessions, a shaded picnic area and a bath house.

CITY: Shelbyville

Evergreen Tree Walk

The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.

CITY: Effingham

Lake Sara

A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.

CITY: Effingham

Whitley Creek Recreation Area

This campground has 81 campsites, most of which are shaded.

CITY: Sullivan

Lake Shelbyville - Bo Wood Recreation Area

Most of the campsites in this 82 site campground are shaded. Located on Lake Shelbyville, beach nearby.

CITY: Sullivan

Anderson Prairie

This 25-acre wildlife park, featuring remnants of the original tallgrass Illinois prairie, features a butterfly house.

CITY: Pana

Sullivan Marina

Located on a serene wooded hilltop, gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville.

CITY: Sullivan

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Explore 70 acres of prairie, wetlands and forest habitat.The Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits, sensory displays and live critters, including a bird observation area.

CITY: Mattoon

General Dacey Trail

This trail is a multi-use recreational trail -- accessed mainly by walkers, runners, and bikers. As you move along the pathways of the Dacey Trail, you will find nature at its best -- with many scenic views of Lake Shelbyville. The trail is being added to and improved each year and runs through parts of Shelbyville, Forest Park, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville. You can begin the trail at Forest Park or at the Dam West Recreational Area (9th St.).

CITY: Shelbyville

Lincoln Prairie Trail

This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.

CITY: Pana

Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area

A 6,400-acre wildlife area on the north end of Lake Shelbyville. Hunting for waterfowl, forest and upland game is popular. Boat access is provided to accommodate anglers and hunters.

CITY: Bethany

Deer Trail Golf Course

Nine holes of golf located next to Lake Shelbyville at the old "Country Club." Come and enjoy a round of golf and then come and enjoy food and a refreshment while looking over the Lake.

CITY: Shelbyville

Rogala Public Links

This nine-hole course is par 36/38.

CITY: Mattoon

Meadowview Golf Course

This 18-hole, par 72 course features moderate to gently rolling terrain, manicured greens, a full-service pro shop and a food court.

CITY: Mattoon

Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

Angus Links

18-hole golf course set in the countryside of Windsor. GPS ADDRESS: 1300 N 3050 E

CITY: Windsor

Eagle Creek State Park

A favorite of walkers and hikers, this park offers year-round camping and scenic hiking trails, many of them hugging Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek has 163 vehicular campsites, with 148 of those being Class A sites with electricity, picnic tables, and showers. There are 56 sites available by reservations made at least 2 weeks in advance by mail.

CITY: Findlay

Okaw Valley Orchard

Check out the store and bakery, where you can buy apples, peaches, cider, jams, jellies and apple butter. A playground and picnic area is available. An apple festival is held over Columbus Day weekend.

CITY: Sullivan

National at Eagle Creek Golf Course

This newly renovated 18-hole golf course is designed as a pro course.

CITY: Findlay

Timberlake Golf Club

This nine-hole, par 35 course features a campground on premises, along with golfing/camping packages.

CITY: Sullivan

The National at Eagle Creek Golf Course

The National Golf Course at Eagle Creek is a premier public golf course located in Eagle Creek State Park in Findlay, Illinois. Nestled in the heart of over 34,000 acres of woods and prairie on the banks of Lake Shelbyville, The National is a challenging yet fair test for the golfer of any ability. Now with five sets of tees!

CITY: Findlay

The National at Eagle Creek

This 18-hole pro golf course has been refurbished with new sand traps, and water features and has great views of Lake Shelbyville. There is a driving range and paved cart paths.

CITY: Findlay

Forrest W. "Bo" Wood Recreation Area

This recreational area has 47 sites available for camping and more are being added. To make reservations, see the information. For general information, you can go to www.lakeshelbyville.com.

CITY: Sullivan

Oak Terrace Golf Course

Home of the Shotmaker's Mile, Oak Terrace is a championship 18-hole course complete with a driving range, putting and chipping green, and a fully stocked pro shop.

CITY: Pana