Lakes

Glenn Shoals and Old Hillsboro Lakes

Glenn Shoals and Old Hillsboro Lakes

The lakes are one of Hillsboro’s main attractions. Get away from the hustle of life and have fun in the sun while boating, skiing, canoeing, or relax with a fishing trip in the serene environment of Hillsboro’s two beautiful lakes.  All water craft must have a permit, but one permit gets you boating access to both lakes all year long.  Or, you can buy a daily permit to check things out, but we’re confident that you’ll want to return to our lakes again and again.

Glenn Shoals Lake

Created in 1976 by damming the Middle Fork of Shoal Creek, Glenn Shoals Lake was built for recreation, sport fishing, and water supply purposes. Glenn Shoals Lake is managed for bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and hybrid striped bass. The lake is regulated in two halves, north and south of the Meisenheimer Avenue bridge, with a speed limit of 35 mph south of the bridge but only 5 mph north of the structure.

Near the lake dam, at 700 Glenn Shoals Drive, is the South Marina with public restrooms, a pavilion, parking area, and two concrete launch ramps.  The Marina restaurant is operated seasonally with a full service restaurant, fuel and boat permit sales, and boat slips available for rent.  Adjacent to the Meisenheimer Avenue bridge is the north access area with two concrete launch ramps, public restroom, an ADA accessible fishing dock, kayak launch, covered pavilion, and shaded public park space to enjoy a family picnic or fish from the bank.

Further information about the lake and fishing limits can be found at https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/waterbody.php?waternum=00180

Hillsboro Lake

Work was completed in 1918 creating Hillsboro Lake.  Commonly referred to as “the old lake”, this 110 acre reservoir has no horsepower limit, but a 10 mph speed limit on the entire lake.  This lake has a healthy population of largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, and channel catfish. The lake has a concrete launch ramp just off of City Lake Road near the entrance to the campground.  The lake has rolling park space adjacent to the lake with two covered pavilions and public restrooms.  This park hosts the 4^th of July celebration with fireworks, concerts, and the cardboard boat regatta.

Reservations for the pavilions can be made by contacting City Hall at 217 532-5566.

Further information about the lake and fishing limits can be found at https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/waterbody.php?waternum=00181

Have fun in the sun while boating, skiing, canoeing or relax with a fishing trip in the serene environment. Both lakes are stocked with: Blue gill • Catfish • Crappie • Hybrid Stripers • Largemouth Bass • Smallmouth Bass (Glenn Shoals only)

The Landing (Glenn Shoals Marina)

217-627-7017
700 Glenn Shoals Drive
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone:217-627-7017
Driving Directions

Related Documents

Boating Fees (both lakes)

Fishing Tournament Information

For fishing tournament scheduling please call the Parks office at 217-532-6778.