Strawberry Lake

Strawberry Lake is a 144-acre recreation area located in Ruso, McLean County, offering a well-developed public boat access point on the east side of the lake. The ramp provides convenient launching for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boats. The lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet and is situated within a scenic 500-acre watershed characterized by deciduous forest and open water. Note that gas-powered boat motors are prohibited, making this an ideal destination for paddlers and electric motor users seeking a quieter paddling experience.

The Strawberry Lake Recreation Area offers full amenities including campsites with self-registration, two drinking water wells, a fishing pier, picnic areas, vault toilets, and a group camping area. The surrounding area features 18 miles of non-motorized multi-use trails for additional outdoor recreation. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout, attracting both paddlers and anglers. This makes Strawberry Lake an excellent base for a weekend paddling and camping trip with reliable facilities and scenic backcountry trail access.