ILLINOIS CITY, ILLINOIS (May 27, 2021) — Boat rentals on Lake George at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve are opening for the first time this season on Friday, May 26, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. From canoes and kayaks to jon boats and pontoons, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers a wide variety of boats to choose from. Rentals are offered Wednesday through Sunday, 8AM-7PM, with the last rental to go out at 6PM.
“We’ve already seen a lot of private boat-traffic this year on the lake,” said Ben Mills, ranger. “We’re excited to open the boat rentals so others can also enjoy the relaxation and beauty Lake George offers.”
With many people choosing to stay close to home during the pandemic, Loud Thunder saw a record number of visitors last season. That included boat rentals at Lake George, which is a 167-acre, man-made lake with a maximum depth of 55 feet. The rangers hope the momentum and excitement around the park continues.
“One silver lining of last year was locals discovering all the beauty and amenities right near them,” said Mills. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back and hope others continue to enjoy all that Loud Thunder has to offer.”
Lake George is stocked with many varieties of fish, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, and muskellunge. An Illinois fishing-license from the State of Illinois is required for fishing on Lake George. Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased online from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“The lake is finally getting warm enough that crappie are beginning to spawn, so we’re looking forward to seeing more fishers out here renting the jon boats,” said Mills. “We have limited bait and other supplies available for purchase at the park office.”
Rental prices for Loud Thunder boats vary by style. Sixteen-foot jon boats can be rented for $12 per hour, $40 for four hours, and $85 for eight hours. Canoes are $10 per hour, single kayaks are $10 per hour, and two-person kayaks are $12 per hour. Two-person small pontoon boats are available for $15 per hour, $50 for four hours, and $100 for eight hours. Party barges can be rented for $30 per hour, $100 for four hours, and $200 for eight hours.
Boat rentals are first-come, first-served, and boaters must check in at the park office before heading down to the docks. A minimum of a one-hour rental is required for all boats. Life-jackets are provided for all users, adults, and children.
Beyond boat rentals, Loud Thunder is making major upgrades to the horse-corral and equestrian-camping area which are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
“Until now, the equestrian area has never had electric or water,” said Mills. “We’re excited to add new, full hookup slab sites to this space that can accommodate horse trailers and RVs.”
Sixteen new, full hook-up sites are being added to the horse-corral area including 50-amp electricity service, water, and sewer hook-up. Eleven tent sites are also available with 20-amp electricity service and water.
With the rearranging of campsites, the day use horse-corral area has expanded, and a horse-washing station has also been added in the north east side of the corral.
Mills says online reservations for the new campsites are expected to open in June.
“We’re just waiting on the grass to grow and signage to hang in that area, then we can open the space for reservations,” said Mills. “We’ll post on the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Facebook page once that is open.”
About the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve, and protect the waters, forests, and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond.
The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest-preserve areas, totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park, and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit www.RICFPD.org.
