Lake Galena

Located in Illinois' Jo Daviess County, Lake Galena is a picturesque lake that was created in 1974 as a result of the damming of Smallpox Creek. It is a reservoir located in Galena Territory that draws water from a close-by watershed. The lake is privately run, despite being a well-liked location for boating and fishing. Along the 11 kilometers of shoreline, a marina offers visitors boat rentals and boat launching.

Visitors can reach the lake from the marina situated at its eastern end and take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic surroundings. However, swimming is not permitted here. In addition to participating in water sports, you can also opt to relax while taking in the numerous bird species, such as eagles, owls, wild turkeys, ospreys, blue herons, and ducks. Here, it's also common to see animals including white-tailed deer, red fox, turtles, beavers, and muskrats.

You'll also find Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa along its 7 miles of shoreline, where you can spend some time playing golf on their course. You can also go to the nearby Thunder Bay Falls, which is a magnificent 40-foot waterfall made possible by the lake's spillway.

Location: Clinton / Fayette / Bond counties, Illinois, U.S.