Boulder Day Use

Boulder Day Use Area is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, 50 miles east of St. Louis, where the peaceful retreat of a small town meets the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Boulder provides modern amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, as well as one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp, courtesy dock and fish cleaning station, and there is an on-site playground with plenty of wide open space for children to play. It is adjacent to the Boulder Recreation Area, which offers campsites. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is a short drive away at the main dam. Fishing is a popular pastime, with year-round bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several races and regattas. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds, and six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are open to the public around the lake. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, in the Dam West Recreation Area, has nature exhibits including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.