Lake of Egypt

Lake of Egypt is a reservoir in the Little Egypt region of the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located six miles (10 km) south of Marion, Illinois and covers 2,300 acres (9 km²) with 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline. The lake has an average depth of 18 feet (5.5 m) with a maximum depth of 52 feet (16 m) . The lake is owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC), who created the impoundment in 1962, by damming the South fork of the Saline River, to supply cooling water for a coal-burning electric power plant.[2]

Lake of Egypt
Map - the lake's irregular shape reveals its origins as a dammed river amidst hilly terrain.
LocationWilliamson and Johnson Counties, Little Egypt region, Illinois
Coordinates37°37′30″N 88°57′30″W
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsSaline River
Primary outflowsSaline River
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area2,300 acres (9 km²)
Average depth18 ft (5.5 m)
Max. depth52 ft (16 m)
Shore length190 mi (140 km)
Surface elevation466 feet (142 m)
References[1]
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

As a privately owned lake, it is subject to regulation by its owners and the state. Terms of use from the SIPC are in the "Official Lake of Egypt Rules and Regulations". Public access is allowed as are all size boat motors. Waterskiing and jet skis are also permitted in most of the lake. Fishing includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and Crappie. Camping at the lake is allowed at Buck Ridge Campground, part of the Shawnee National Forest. Each neighborhood on the lake has individual subdivisions (list of Lake of Egypt subdivisions) as well as the non-for-profit Lake of Egypt Association of Property Owners (LEAPO)

History

Lake of Egypt was founded by Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) to supply cooling water to their newly constructed coal burning power plant. The lake was created in 1962 by damming the south fork of the Saline River.[3] The name was chosen from the nickname "Little Egypt" of Southern Illinois.[4][5]

Tourism and Recreation

There are currently three marinas serving Lake of Egypt:[6]

  • The Resort at Egyptian Hills
  • Mack's Lake of Egypt Marina
  • Pyramid Acres
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References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lake of Egypt
  2. "About The Lake - Lake of Egypt Property Owners Association". leapo.com. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  3. "Goreville History". Village of Goreville. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  4. "Southern Illinois", Wikipedia, 2019-06-17, retrieved 2019-07-28
  5. "About The Lake - Lake of Egypt Property Owners Association". leapo.com. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  6. "Visit the Lake of Egypt in Southern Illinois". Enjoy Illinois. Retrieved 2019-07-28.



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