2024 Map of Wildcat Lake

About this map

Wildcat Lake and the vast waters of Carlyle Lake dominate this portion of the Kaskaskia River basin along the border of Fayette and Marion Counties. The landscape is defined by an intricate network of waterways including Muddy Creek, Hurricane Creek, and the North Fork East Fork Kaskaskia River. This region preserves numerous family and community landmarks, evidenced by a high density of rural burial grounds such as Seminary Cem, Taylor Cem, and Magassi Cem. The terrain features distinct elevations like Pecan Island in the north and Hermit Point overlooking the water in the southwest. Between the main river channel and the engineered Muddy Creek Ditch, a series of smaller bodies including Otter Pond, Half Mile Pond, and Hem Pond illustrate the bottomland ecology of the area. Large tracts of land, including those noted as Farm Service Agency Interest of Illinois, underscore the region's agricultural character.