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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
Western Region
Argyle Lake State Park
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Argyle Lake State Park © Richard Tamborski
Argyle Lake State Park © Sara Armstrong
Argyle Lake State Park © Sara Armstrong
Argyle Lake State Park © Sara Armstrong
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ARGYLE LAKE STATE PARK
ARGYLE LAKE STATE PARK
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, Illinois   62326

Phone: 309-776-3422
Reservations: 309-776-3422
Email: park email button icon
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.
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Park Store
The concession stand is located near the boat dock. There are boat rentals, bait, firewood, snacks and ice for sale. The hours for the bait shop are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
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.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options. Visitors can rent rowboats, paddle boats and canoes from the concession stand during summer months or bring their own boat for use on the 93-acre lake. However, only electric trolling motors are allowed to maintain peace and tranquility in the area. There is also a large dock available for fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing
The park offers a 93-acre lake for fishing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish here. There's also an accessible dock available for use.


Location
Argyle Lake State Park is located near Macomb

Horse Area
For equestrian enthusiasts there is a rugged, 7-mile equestrian trail. An equestrian campground also is available.
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.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should be aware that cycling is limited to the park's main roads. Off-road biking isn't permitted here.

The terrain can prove challenging, with hilly and curvy sections requiring careful navigation for safety reasons.

While there are no dedicated bike trails, cyclists often enjoy leisurely rides around the 93-acre lake area.

Please note: helmets are strongly recommended due to occasional traffic on these shared routes within this recreational site.

Cyclists must respect all road signs and rules while exploring; it's essential for everyone's enjoyment of nature in a safe manner.

Remember - always stay alert as wildlife sightings may occur unexpectedly during your ride through this scenic landscape!
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.
Birding
The park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. It offers year-round opportunities with migratory birds in spring and fall. The lake attracts waterfowl while the forested areas house various songbirds and raptors.
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 1 All Roads are open by Bob Stallings
park review stars; one to five My wife and I driven on the reopened roads since last September. The roads have been repaved and are in excellent condition. There are even some reopened campsites, that are more primitive and seculed.
April 28 An amazing place to spend the day.
park review stars; one to five The roads around the lake are now open and its such a beautiful and relaxing drive. They have made the road wider and safer.
December 27 closed due to funding!!
park review stars; one to five The only reason why the roads are closed is due to our own government and how it cannot fund beautiful state parks like this one! I love Argyle, and plan to get married here. Call ahead next time.
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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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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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