Lake Shelbyville, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE- operated recreation areas nationwide on June 16, 2026, in observance of the agency’s birthday.
At Lake Shelbyville, day use fees at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated boat launch ramps and swimming beaches will be waived for the day. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees for specialized facilities, such as group picnic shelters and special events.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Lake Shelbyville’s recreational facilities while practicing safe and responsible recreation. Lake Shelbyville offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and many other outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages.
USACE also offers other fee-free days throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration. In 2026, fee-free days are:
- Presidents Day: February 16, 2026
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Birthday: June 16, 2026
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3–5, 2026
- National Public Lands Day: September 26, 2026
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2026
The fee-free initiative was first instituted on Veterans Day 2006 with the intent to support and honor the men and women who have served the nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
USACE is one of the leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It is estimated that 90 percent of USACE-operated recreation areas are located within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.
To discover a USACE recreation site near you, visit corpslakes.us or recreation.gov.
For additional information about Lake Shelbyville recreation opportunities, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.
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