Recreation
Recreational Facilities
Rend Lake
Rend Lake in southern Illinois is an excellent example of the economic impact of a Corps lake.
In the 1970s, the area around the lake was a sparsely-populated agricultural region with coal mining as the primary non-farm employer.
Now, this bustling area draws over 3 million visitors per year to the 18,000 acre lake and its many beaches, picnic and camping areas. Those visitors spend $58 million on food, lodging and other tourist necessities.
Retirees are moving to the area for the recreational opportunities, bringing their retirement and pension incomes with them.
The town square is now lively with visitors who spend tourist dollars at its many antique stores and other shops.
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Aerial View of Rend Lake
Rend Lake Marina