Old Illinois Mining Site Transformed Into A Crystal Clear Blue Water Beach

You only have a few more weeks to check out this amazing Illinois beach before it shuts down for the year.

In the early 1950s a mining company named Vulcan Materials began digging for sand and stone at a site on the outskirts of Crystal Lake that is now named Three Oaks Recreation Area. 

After digging for more than 40 years, the project exposed the area's water table and the quarries that had been excavated over the past 4 decades filled with water, creating two massive lakes.

The city of Crystal Lake began years of development at the site to create what is today Three Oaks Recreation Area.

There is plenty to do at Three Oaks Recreation no matter your age or activity level.

Because the water all came from the water table and isn't fed by a tributary, the water at Three Oaks Recreation Area is crystal blue. You can see all the way to the bottom until it gets too deep.

There's plenty for little kids to do as well when they get tired of playing in the water. Playgrounds dot the entire area.

Bring a group of friends and relax at one of the many tables they have set up through the park. You can even bring your lunch to enjoy by the water.

Three Oaks Recreation Area shuts down on Labor Day, so you'll want to plan your trip soon if you want to make it in 2022.