Raccoon Lake - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Dam East Recreation Area is the perfect place to go and have a great time outdoors. This recreation area boasts multiple activities including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, camping and much more. Visitors can explore the peaceful nature trails or go for a scenic ride on their bike around the lake. The lake also offers prime fishing opportunities with stocked seasonally with carp, bass, bluegill and catfish. Dam East also has an excellent campsite.

Carlyle Lake, is an excellent place to explore the outdoors. It provides numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming and boating. Visitors can also challenge their skills on the multi-use trails in the area while enjoying the breathtaking views of nature and learning more about the rich cultural history of the area. With a variety of campsites nearby, it is easy to spend a night or two at Carlyle Lake and its abundance of activities make it a perfect destination for families.

Built in 1973, Carlyle Dam is a 5,170-foot earthen dam on the Kaskaskia River in Clinton county, Illinois. It is one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States and is recognised as an excellent fishing spot. The lake formed by the reservoir has a surface area of 25,000 acres, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. Utilising the dam's hydroelectric power plant, Carlyle Lake Power Plant provides electric power to several cities in Illinois as well as Missouri.

The General Dean Bridge is a single lane bridge that has become a local landmark. Constructed in 1901 and spanning over 320 feet in length, this bridge stands as one of the oldest extant bridges in the region. The structure was created with pin-connected Pratt through truss design, which enabled pedestrians to simply walk into the middle of the river without any risk of falling. Today, it is hailed as an iconic symbol of both past and present.

The Vandalia State House Memorial stands as a physical reminder of the important role played in the early growth and shaping of America. Built in 1836 and reconstructed in 1952, the monument is located on the original site of the first state capitol of Illinois. This historic location gives visitors to Fayette County unique insight into what life was like in the mid-1800s. The memorial is open to the public without charge and contains an 11-foot bronze statue of Shadrach Bond.

Little Brick House is a historical landmark that continues to amaze people. This impressive abode was built in 1837 by Samuel Moore and it served as a courthouse until 1981. The structure is made of Cream City brick, has rectangular windows, a frieze with raised lettering around the top and Greek Revival styling throughout. From its red double doors to the slanting roof and oculus window above them, Little Brick House stands proud not just as a testament to its own time but also to ours.