Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter

Overview

This day use area sits on the southwest shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility offers amenities such as walking & fitness trails, shoreline fishing, and a scenic overlook of the lake and dam.

Recreation

The area features the General Dacey Trail, a multi-use biking and walking trail which extends through the south end of the lake, spillway, the dam, and into the city park. In this area, the trail also has fitness areas with outdoor fitness equipment. The shoreline is accessible in some areas for fishing opportunities. Some of the local fish in the lake are catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. 

Facilities

There is one reservable picnic shelter that has 6 picnic tables under the shelter. The shelter has a group grill and a water spigot. The shelter has electricity. Flushable restrooms are available up the stairs from the picnic shelter. The paved parking lot is next to the flushable restrooms up the stairs from the picnic shelter.

Natural Features

The day use area has a perfect, wide-open overlook of the lake and dam. Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

Nearby Attractions

The Lake Shelbyville Dam is located right next to the day use area. Down the road to the west, the town of Shelbyville offers small town boutiques as well as eateries to explore. Dam West Recreation Area is a population location for swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities, and it is located just up the road north from the Dam West Overlook.

From Shelbyville, Illinois, go one mile east of Shelbyville on State Route 16 to Spillway Recreation Area road. Turn left into Spillway Recreation Area. Follow the road to the end, and turn left across the dam. The parking lot for Dam West Overlook is on the right just after the dam. The staircase leading to the picnic shelter is at the south end of the parking lot.