Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
03/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2026 11:20
Opening of Heidecke Lake to be delayed due to historically low water levels
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will delay the traditional April 1 opening of Heidecke Lake in Grundy County to boaters this year because of unusually low water levels caused by ongoing drought conditions.
IDNR staff will continue to monitor the lake and will reopen it once it reaches safe navigation levels. The department expects levels to return to typical ranges as normal precipitation patterns resume. IDNR is evaluating potential options for adding water to the lake if drought conditions persist.
Located near Morris in Grundy County, Heidecke Lake is a former cooling lake for a power generation plant. IDNR leases the site to provide public outdoor recreational opportunities. For the first time since the utility site was decommissioned in 2007, water levels at Heidecke Lake have dropped too low to allow safe navigation by boats and other watercraft.
Current water levels are about 506 feet, 11 inches above sea level. Ideal water levels for the lake are about 510 feet, with safe navigation for watercraft typically possible at 508 feet or higher.
According to the National Weather Service, north-central Illinois has experienced significant precipitation deficits, with the region 8 to 15 inches below normal precipitation levels since Oct. 1, 2024. In addition, 2025 ranks among the top 20 driest years on record for the region. The Heidecke Lake area also experienced 29 days with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees - 14 days above normal. These conditions have contributed to reduced water levels in lakes, rivers and other bodies of water throughout the region.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency published this content on March 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 30, 2026 at 17:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]