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
3 miles of shoreline and a 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
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 or border plantings of warm season
grasses, lespedeza and pine trees. Upland game food is supplied by patch plantings.
Camping
Tent
and trailer sites are available with electricity, sanitary dump
stations and a shower house. Campers without reservations need to obtain a permit from
the site personnel when they arrive at the area. Five cabins are
located on scenic Dolan Lake across from a modern shower building.
No cooking, pets or smoking allowed in the cabins. Fire grills and tables are
provided out side each cabin. Full-size bed, two sets of bunk beds, and a table and
chairs are provided inside. Cabins have heat and air conditioning. Bring
your own bedding. There must be an adult (18 or older) to stay in the cabin or camping areas. For reservations of the campsites or cabins, visit www.reserveamerica. com.
 Day Use
The site has 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 (618) 773-4340. Horseback and hiking
trails, and playground equipment are available.
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. Pick up
all hulls and keep area clean.
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