Argyle Lake State Park, near Macomb, is a hidden gem of the Illinois State Park System. We took a long weekend trip in 2022 full of hiking, paddling, and visiting some cool nearby places. Our trip recap will give you all you need to know about the park and ideas for things to do nearby.
Argyle Lake State Park
Argyle Lake State Park is 7 miles from Macomb, IL. The biggest feature is the 93 acre lake perfect for fishing and boating. The lake was created in 1948 when the state purchased the land and erected a dam.
Park Features
Argyle Lake:
- Stocked with bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, tiger muskie, and rainbow trout
- 10 horsepower limit
- Public launch & docks
- Ice skate & ice fishing in winter
Trails:
- 5 miles total of trails
- 12 different trails- most are difficult to very difficult
- Blackberry & Pitch Pine are moderate
- 7 mile rugged trail for horseback & mountain bikes
- Snowmobiling & cross country skiing in winter
Argyle Lake State Park History
The area is known for its minerals- coal, clay, and limestone. People used to dig their own drift mines to harvest these. There is an informational sign at one of the trailheads about drift mines, and there’s supposed to be a replica mine as well- but you can’t really tell anymore.
Cemetery
Argyle Lake State Park even has its own small cemetery, dating back to the 1830s. Most of the people buried there were part of the Atkinson family, who owned the land. The most interesting marker is one for “Jack the Black Man.”
Argyle Lake State Park Campground
There are 86 Class A sites, 25 Class B sites, 18 Class C sites, 31 Class D sites, group camping, and an equestrian campground. A dump station and showerhouse are available.
The boat dock has a concession stand with food, boat rentals, and bait for sale. There is a visitor center with some displays, but it was closed while we were there. The park regularly offers interpretative programs- more than most Illinois state parks we visit. While we were there, there was a kids fishing program going on.
Campsite
We stayed in Site 11, which was a spacious site featuring:
- Gravel parking pad
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- 30 amp electric
Things to do Near Argyle Lake State Park
Macomb Park District Lakeview Nature Center
10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL 61455
The highlight of Lakeview Nature Center is the Prairie Labyrinth. It’s the nation’s largest 7 circuit prairie labyrinth and is a wonderful experience. The labyrinth is about half a mile from the entrance to the center and winding along the path is such a unique way to experience and enjoy the prairie. You definitely need to check out this video of how the Labyrinth was planted.
Lakeview is a large preserve that also has a bunch of other trails, as well as the actual Nature Center (which is mostly used for programs and not always open).
Bonus Fact
What’s the difference between a maze and a labyrinth? Mazes have multiple paths, and not all will lead to the center. Labyrinths have one continuous path to the center- so no getting lost here!
WIU Museum of Geology (sorta)
I had seen online that Western Illinois University has a geology museum that is open to the public. I’m not sure if it was because we went over Juneteenth weekend, or if the information online was just outdated, but the room labeled as the museum was locked. We didn’t see anyone else on campus while we were there. There were a few display cases in the halls of the geology department, at least.
We spent some time wandering the grounds too while we were there. I wanted to see the columbarium on campus, because that’s such a unique thing. We also just always enjoy visiting college campuses (especially Jen who’s career was mainly in higher ed).
Living Lincoln Topiary Monument
232 E Jackson, Macomb, IL 61455
Of course every town in Illinois needs to celebrate its connection to Lincoln. Macomb’s Living Lincoln Topiary is a Lincoln statue with a live flower beard, which does make it one of the more unique Lincoln statues we’ve seen. It’s worth a quick stop- or at least a drive-by. The topiary is part of the area’s Looking for Lincoln Self-Guided Tour. Abe visited Macomb a couple different times during the Lincoln-Douglas debate tour.
Western Illinois Museum
201 S Lafayette St, Macomb, IL 61455
We did not have great luck with museums on this trip. We stopped in the Western Illinois Museum. It was open, unlike the geology museum, but there wasn’t much to see there. I think they use it more for events and programs.
Oakwood Cemetery
1027 N Randolph St, Macomb, IL 61455
Oakwood Cemetery is the final home of many of the notable people of Macomb’s past. Besides the founding fathers of the county, there are Underground Railroad conductors, activists, and the bacteriologist who developed the first measles vaccine.
Next time we visit Argyle Lake, here are some more things on our list to see:
- Blandin House Museum (open by appointment only)
- Easley Pioneer Museum
- WIU Horn Field Campus (high ropes course)
- WIU Art Gallery
- Forgottonia Brewing
