Illinois Dive Site Details  


 

Evanston Beach

Distance from INDY (miles): 200
Fee:
Contact: Evanston Park District
   Phone:
   Email:
   Web:

Description: Resting in 10-16 feet of water is the Wreck of the George Morley, a wooden wreck that burned & sank in the 1800's. The wreck is just 150 yards off shore. There is also an old PT boat off Main Street. Suit up at Greenleaf St. Beach. There is a beach entrance fee, flag, float and certification card are required. Beach closes at 6:00 PM.

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North Avenue Beach

Distance from INDY (miles): 180
Fee:
Contact: Chicago Park District
   Phone: 294-4651
   Email:
   Web:

Description: Exit Lake Shore Drive at North Ave. and park. Bring your equipment to the entrance by the Chess Pavillian. You enter from a wall so use a giant stride entry. Exit is by ladder set in the concrete wall. Dive flag, float, buddy and certification card are required. The Chicago Park District requires that you check in with the lifeguard on duty. There is also a lifeguard station at the Oak Street Beach 294-4651. It is against the law to dive from a Chicago shore anywhere except No, Avenue Beach.


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Chillicothe Recreation Area

Distance from INDY (miles): 210
Fee: 8.00/day
Contact:
   Phone: 309-274-2000
   Email:
   Web:

Description: Situated on the Northern edge of Peoria, Chillicothe Recreational Area Ltd., boasts 82 camper pads with water and electrical hookups and an on-site dump station as well as 'primitive' campsites for outdoor enthusiasts. Four clear lakes offer swimming, scuba and boating areas. Sandy beaches are ideal for picnics, sunbathing, bocci ball and sand volleyball.

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Haigh Quarry

Distance from INDY(miles):145
Fee: Diver $20, non-diver $10, Air $7, Nitrox available.
Contact:
   Phone: 815-939-7797
   Fax: 815-932-4183
   Email:ehead@keynet.net
   Web: www.haighquarry.com

Description: A rock quarry with depths to 75 feet featuring two covered docks, gentle beach entry, dressing rooms, barbeque grills, and grassy picnic area. Fish include indigenous fish of Illinois including paddlefish.

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Kickapoo State Park

Distance from INDY (miles): 95
Fee:
Contact: Kickapoo State Park, Park Office, 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd., Oakwood, IL 61858
   Phone: 217-442-4915
   Email: jhott@dnrmail.state.il.us
   Web:

Description: Kickapoo State Park is unique in that it is one of only a few state parks and recreation areas in Illinois allowing scuba diving. Divers who register and who show proper certification may dive in the clear, deep waters of Inland Sea and Sportsman's Lake.

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Mermet Springs

Distance from INDY (miles): 285
Fee: $10dive,$5 nondivers, air $5, camping $5/person
Contact: Glen Faith
   Phone: 1-618-527-3483
   Email: mermet@accessus.net
   Web: www.mermetsprings.com

Description: Mermet Springs is an 8.5 acre spring fed stone quarry, located in Southern Illinois. The quarry has 100 foot walls and wooded hills encompassing nearly half of its perimeter. The sheer walls are not only on the top but can be followed to depths of 120 ft. This quarry is devoted to diving and dive training. We have an array of items of interest for all divers. Whether it is our training platforms, 15 - 120 ft. dives, or our many sunken treasures, such as the Boeing 727 airplane used in the movie "U.S. Marshalls", you are sure to find something of interest. A ride on the Zip Line , snorkeling, and on site camping for divers and their guests will round out your perfect weekend at Mermet Springs.

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Pearl Lake

Distance from INDY (miles): 275
Fee: $15 diver, $7 nondiver, $ 7 airfill, Camping $25 with water & electric $26
Contact:
   Phone: 815-389-1479
   Email: Info@pearllake.com
   Web: www.pearllake.com

Description: 30 acre Lake with depths to 85 feet. Average depth 36 feet. Visibility 10-40 feet Water temperature low 40-high 70's

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