Dam West Spillway

Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, 50 miles east of St. Louis — the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. The spillway has one group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as an accessible fishing pier and several amenities. It is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and connected to the Dam West Day Use Area and Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The Carlyle Municipal Pool is a short drive away. There is fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, with year-round varieties such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye in the lake and the Kaskaskia River. There is plenty of open space for children to play, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is a short distance away at the dam. Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual 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 on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.