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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Hamilton County State Fish Wildlife Area
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HAMILTON COUNTY STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
HAMILTON COUNTY STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
R.R. 4, Box 242,
McLeansboro, Illinois   62859

Phone: 618-773-4340
Reservations: 618-773-4340
Email: park email button icon
Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, also known as Dolan Lake, is located about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14.

Dolan Lake is the main attraction of the park. The earthen dam was constructed in 1962 and the lake was filled shortly thereafter. The 75-acre lake has a shoreline of 3 miles and maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish and bullheads. Winter fishing is allowed when the ice is thick enough. A launching ramp and rental boat are available. Motors are limited to 10 hp.
History of the Area
The site was established at the urging of the McLeansboro Kiwanis club. In 1960 the state made its initial acquisition of 99 acres of land. Subsequent purchases have brought the total acreage to 1,683, of which 75 acres are water.

The site is one of gently rolling hills. Most of the hunting area is small open fields bordered by heavy fence rows, border plantings of warm season grasses, lespedeza, and pine trees with small patches of brush and timber. Food for the upland game is supplied by patch planting in the area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Tent and trailer sites are available with electricity and sanitary dump stations and a shower house. Campers need to obtain a permit from the site personnel when they arrive at the area. Three cabins are located on scenic Dolan Lake across from a modern shower building. No cooking, pets, or smoking allowed in Cabin. Fire grill and table provided out side. Full size bed, two sets of bunk beds, table and chairs provided inside. Cabin has heat and a/c available. Bring your own bedding.


Location
Hamilton County State Fish Wildlife Area is located near Benton, Mount Vernon and West Frankfort

Day Use Area
There are large, shaded picnic areas with tables, outdoor stoves and drinking water. A concession stand is operated from April 1 to Oct. 31. For more information call site staff at (618) 773-4340. Horseback, hiking trails and playground equipment available.
Area Attractions
Hand Trap

Hamilton County has a first come first serve manual clay bird thrower trap area. The trap is open year round, for shotguns only. Pleases pick up all hulls and keep area clean. Please call the site for more information.

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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins. Rustic log cabin rentals with modern comforts such as hot tubs, Wifi and satellite TV located near Garden of the God in the Shawnee National Forest.
37.8 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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