Historic Duck Bay Shelter Reopens on Shawnee National Forest

Reconstruction project restores popular lakeside campsite for 2026 season

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36pm

The historic Duck Bay Shelter at Lake Glendale in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest has been fully reconstructed and is now available for reservations in the 2026 recreation season. The restoration work was carried out by the nonprofit HistoriCorps organization and a team of volunteers.

Why it matters

The Duck Bay Shelter is a beloved local landmark that provides an important camping and recreation resource for visitors to the Shawnee National Forest. Its reconstruction ensures the continued preservation of this historic structure and maintains access to one of the most scenic lakeside campsites in the region.

The details

The Duck Bay Shelter, originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, had fallen into disrepair over the decades. HistoriCorps, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving historic structures, led the reconstruction effort to restore the shelter to its original condition using traditional building techniques and materials.

  • The Duck Bay Shelter was originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
  • The shelter had fallen into disrepair over the decades prior to the recent reconstruction project.
  • The reconstruction work was completed in early 2026, making the shelter available for reservations in the 2026 recreation season.

The players

HistoriCorps

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic structures through hands-on restoration projects and volunteer efforts.

Shawnee National Forest

A 289,000-acre national forest located in southern Illinois, known for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and recreational activities.

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What’s next

The restored Duck Bay Shelter is now available for reservations through the U.S. Forest Service's recreation booking system for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The reconstruction of the historic Duck Bay Shelter demonstrates the ongoing commitment to preserving important landmarks within the Shawnee National Forest and providing quality outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to the region.