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Located in Rosedale along the Illinois River in Jersey County, Stump Lake offers convenient public access to this major waterway. This is the only free public boat launch between Alton and Grafton, making it a valuable access point for paddlers and boaters exploring this section of the Illinois River. The ramp was completely refurbished in 1992 and features rustic restrooms and picnic tables.
The site provides access to Navigation Pool 25 on the Illinois River, a 33-mile stretch above Winfield Dam (Lock and Dam 25). Paddlers should be aware of the dam downstream, which will require portaging or alternate routing. The Illinois River in this region supports a mix of recreational activities, including fishing for bluegill, crappie, and bullhead in the surrounding Stump Lake Wildlife Management Area. This is a solid launching point for canoeists and kayakers looking to explore the middle Illinois River corridor, with nearby options like Pere Marquette State Park and Grafton offering additional access points for trip planning.