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Shedd Aquarium

Poplar Camp Beach

Poplar Camp Rd., Makanda, IL 62958

Swimming

Try cooling off at this family friendly beach located in the heart of Southern Illinois.

Beautiful sandy waterfront on Cedar Lake. State certified Lifeguards on duty during beach hours, lap lane, restrooms, picnic tables and a concession area. Self-serve kayak rental kiosk with paddles and life jackets. Boat ramp and free parking available.

Five minutes south of Carbondale is the city reservoir, Cedar Lake, a 1,750-acre reservoir in Southern Illinois created by the damming of Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Big Muddy River in 1974. The lake is located in Jackson County, southwest of Carbondale, and accessible from U.S. Highway 51. The lake was constructed to supply tap water to the residents of Carbondale. Cedar Lake is also open to kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

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