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State Park Link: Argyle Lake State Park
Nearby Parks: Weinborg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Argyle Lake State Park 640 Argyle Park Road Colchester, Illinois 62326 Phone: 309-776-3422 Reservations: 309-776-3422 Email: R1Parks@dnrmail.state.il.us
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Known as a fisherman's delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers picnicking, camping, hiking and boating facilities in a scenic, natural setting.
With its 93-acre lake for boating and fishing, 5 miles of rugged foot trails through luxuriant virgin forests, and full-service campgrounds, this heavily wooded, 1,700-acre site is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend, or longer. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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camp ground host
can not fine camp gound host half the time
(name not given)
13-May-2008
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beautiful
i love the lake, the view i love everything about this park.
Written by karen chasteen
15-Oct-2008
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Great Park
Great park, probably one of my favorite in Illinois. The fishing can be slow at times though.
Written by Mitch Mueller
30-Apr-2009
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great park
i have camped for 50 yrs this is one of the best.,
Written by bob davis
10-May-2009
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Car breaks and new friends are found
Car broke down and hosts Dave and Debbie took great care for us and checked on us continuously and even called to see if we made it home. Delbert a camper knew we did not have a car to get supplies and it was very hot. When we got back to camp that afternoon we found ice and drinks in our cooler. He also called us many times a day to make sure we did not need a ride some place. We were taken care of by complete strangers that treated us like thier family. Great Place to camp and meet new friends you never knew you had.
Written by Mark, Sue, Kelly, Coyle
24-Jun-2009
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Nice Park and Lake
Camp Host at the time was a bit confused on fees and did not mention senior rate it was discovered by customer when reading rules that host had left on the table, Bathrooms were not very clean but minimally ok, Camp grounds were very clean and well kept. would definately return.
Written by llbowser
8-Jul-2009
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Grew up at this park
The Park has always been beautiful and the camp grounds are always clean. I always feel safe when I am at the park late at night. My family has had many reunions there that have always been enjoyable.
(name not given)
4-Sep-2009
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WORKERS NEED BIG PAT ON BACK
I remember several years ago Argyle Lake State Park had three (3) full time workers and 3 or 4 seasonal workers plus the teen program.. Now they only have ONE(1) full timer, three(3) seasonal and one(1) Partimer. They also have the Government Program for Teens Helpers as before. This Year the workers Cut Trees, Clean the Bathouse & tiolets, pick-up trash and garbage, weed eat, mow weeds, plant flowers, Cut Brush and clean it up, clean the Horsetrails, and the list go on & On... I think the Site Superindent do a good job at managing the park plus the bookwork He has to do. I am so glad people can enjoy the beautiful sites, the deer, and all of Gods Little Critters. I think these people need a GREAT BIG PAT on the BACK, and a Thank-You from the people. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!!!
Written by L.Teddy
12-Sep-2009
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| Camping: |
| For longer visits, the park contains 86 Class A campsites, 24 Class B, 18 Class C, sites, featuring vehicle access and restrooms, and 31 Class D (primitive) sites. Electrical hookups, a disposal station and restrooms with showers are also available. |
| Trails: |
| The 5 miles of foot trails provide unparalleled scenic enjoyment. There are 12 trails and most are classified as difficult to very difficult, but Blackberry and Pitch Pine trails are rated as moderate. Be sure to look for the beaver dams along Shore Trail. There also are more than 200 bird species that call Argyle Lake home. |
| Picnicking: |
| How long has it been since you've packed a picnic lunch and headed for a park? At Argyle Lake State Park there are 10 shaded picnic areas placed conveniently throughout the area, with tables, grills and water. There's also a playground located close to the three larger shelters to keep the children busy that features swings and a slide. The shelters are available for people to reserve for family reunions, gatherings, etc. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing
The lake is stocked with bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, tiger muskie and rainbow trout. There is a 10 horsepower motor limit, and a public boat launch and docks are available for boats and pontoons. Canoe and boat rentals also are available.
Hunting
Upland game hunting is allowed on a limited basis. Please check with the park office for specific dates, species and regulations. |
| History of the Area: |
| Rich in local history, Argyle Hollow (now occupied by the lake) was once part of the old stage route between Galena and Beardstown. Several times a week the high-wheeled cumbersome coaches with their double teams of horses rumbled through these beautiful hills and valleys.
The region itself long was a source of coal, clay and limestone. In fact, in times past it was common for individuals to open and dig their own "drift mines" to supplement their personal incomes. Several limestone quarries in the general area still are in operation today.
In 1948, the state purchased the land from local farmers and homesteaders, erected the dam which created the lake and dedicated Argyle Lake State Park to the citizens of Illinois.
Today, whether your preference is viewing wildflowers and fresh foliage in the spring, picnicking, fishing and boating in the summer, appreciating the brilliant fall colors or sledding and snowmobiling in the winter, Argyle Lake State Park is a great place to visit. |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
 | Argyle Lake State Park - ... Topographical Maps Tips Training/Fitness Repair/Maintenance Skills/Techniques Argyle Lake State Park State: Illinois County: McDonough Trail Notes: Argyle Lake State Park is located west of ... |  | McDonough County, Illinois, USA - ... McDonough County. The "Governor" of Forgotonia was Neil Gamm, a student at WIU. History of Argyle Lake State Park The state created Argyle Lake State Park in 1948 on 1500 acres of land. The 93 ... |  | DNR - DNR ... Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Argyle Lake - State Park Northwest Region 640 Argyle Park Road Colchester, IL 62326 309.776.3422 E ... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Argyle Lake is the site of the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Show, a festive celebration of times past. It's a great way to spend Labor Day weekend. You'll see demonstrations of wheat threshing, hay baling, sawmilling, sorghum making and blacksmithing. You can also watch crafts persons make quilts, whittle and make rugs. In addition, hundreds of antique tractors, cars and gas engines are on display. For bargain hunters, there also is a giant fleamarket.
Winter Sports
Open year-round, Argyle Lake State Park is ideally suited for ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow. |
| Directions: |
| From Chicago, take either Interstate 80 or Interstate 88 west to Interstate 74. Take Interstate 74 South to Route 34. Take Route 34 West to Route 67. Take Route 67 South to Route 136. Take Route 136 West to Colchester and the park is 2 miles north of Colchester on Coal Road. Coal Road runs north of the Sinclair Station in Colchester. |
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