Fellows Lake, body of water
Fellows Lake is a large reservoir near Springfield created by damming the Little Sac River, covering about 860 acres with a shoreline stretching over 27 miles. The water serves as the city's drinking supply while also supporting recreational activities like boating, fishing, and water sports.
The lake was created in 1955 to supply Springfield with drinking water and support the city's growth. In the early 1990s, a pipeline was added connecting it to Stockton Lake to provide extra water during dry periods or high demand.
The lake is named after Frank "Uncle Frank" Fellows, a City Utilities employee who played a key role in making the project happen. The names Dirt 66 and Dock 66 at the shores connect the lake to Springfield's Route 66 heritage and honor the travelers who once used this famous road.
The lake is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with boat rentals and a store operating March through October offering kayaks, canoes, and sailboats along with bait and supplies. About 27 miles of trails for different experience levels, public parking areas, and designated fishing zones make the area well-organized for day visits.
The water is regularly checked for invasive mussels and aquatic plants to protect drinking quality, with all boats required to be thoroughly cleaned before entering the water. Swimming, fireworks, and alcohol are prohibited, showing how carefully water protection rules are enforced to preserve this vital resource for the city.
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