Nearly 19,000 acres of water and 162 miles of shoreline: Rend Lake gives Franklin County a distinctive place to explore, with water, trails and protected areas. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area covers 3,300 acres; three-quarters of its perimeter borders the shoreline. Here, expansive waters and a vast recreational area meet at the same lake.
Rend Lake: Trails, Water and Protected Areas
Rend Lake has more than 21 miles of paved multi-use trails for hiking and biking. An extension of the Blackberry Nature Trail added the Pine Trail and Gobbler Trail loops, increasing its length from 0.75 to 2 miles. At 2 miles, the extended Blackberry Nature Trail is considerably shorter than the more than 21 miles of paved multi-use trails at Rend Lake.
Six water trails are each accessible via a boat ramp. There are two public swimming areas: South Sandusky Beach and North Marcum Beach. Check seasonal conditions for these swimming areas before your trip. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area also offers opportunities for water sports, picnicking and hiking. If you’d like to camp there, you’ll find 243 campsites with electrical hookups and sanitary facilities; check reservation requirements in advance.
The natural areas along the lake have their own distinctive character, too. Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area encompasses 3,000 acres of impounded water in sub-impoundments, managed primarily for waterfowl. About 5,000 acres of the area are managed as a waterfowl refuge. Fishing is permitted there for most of the year, but the refuge area is closed during periods of waterfowl use. Water recreation and respect for the refuge’s seasonal purpose go hand in hand.
If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the water, Jackie Branch Recreation Area has an ADA-accessible fishing pier and an ADA-accessible kayak launch.
County Museums and History
The 1905 Franklin County Jail Museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Its memorabilia includes items related to George Harrison’s first trip to the United States. The exhibits also include the actual cells where Charlie Birger was held, as well as a replica of the gallows and rope used for his execution. These exhibits bring together several chapters of regional history in one place.
The Silkwood Inn offers another glimpse into the past: it was built in 1827 along the Shawneetown-Kaskaskia-St. Louis Trail. The Silkwood Inn Museum contains furnishings and artifacts from the 19th century. The West Franklin County Museum focuses on the county’s earlier days: housed in an old school building, it displays artifacts, memorabilia and hundreds of photographs about life and people in the early days of Franklin County. Make arrangements for tours before your visit.
In Benton, the annual Rend Lake Water Festival is part of the events calendar. At the 53rd festival in 2026, the carnival was held on Benton Public Square. Another historical event venue is the North Marcum Archery Complex, which hosted the Eastern Scholastic 3D Archery National Championship.
Other Interests: Wine, Golf and Sports
Pheasant Hollow Winery is set on five acres of wooded land on the east side of Rend Lake and offers wine tastings. If you’re planning a visit, check current visitor options in advance. For golf, Rend Lake Golf Course has a lighted driving range and a pro shop. Rend Lake Shooting Complex offers trap, skeet, 5-stand and sporting clays; it’s a good idea to check current operating details before your visit.
Franklin County is accessible via Interstate 57, which connects to Interstates 64 and 24. Between the multi-use trails, the seasonally managed protected areas and the museums, you can tailor your stay to the things that interest you most. Discover more destinations: West Frankfort, St. Clair, Dekalb, Lasalle, Kane, Livingston County, Madison, Kendall County.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
