Illinois: Water Bodies

Today, we’d like to share with you some of the lakes, rivers and other water bodies you’ll be able to discover in our upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. From the urban lakeside atmosphere of Chicago to the tranquil wetlands and reservoirs further south, Illinois offers a surprising variety of waterways that our map designers have been recreating. Let's take a look at some of them!

Lake Michigan & Chicago's Beaches

One of the most iconic sights in the state is Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and also the second-deepest, making it a truly impressive stretch of freshwater that looks almost endless.

As you explore the roads of Chicago, you’ll be able to take in views of the lake, and pass by Lakefront Park, which is a part of the scenic Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan. You will also be able to spot one of the numerous free public beaches along Lake Michigan, Oak Street Beach, a popular urban sandy beach that sits right against the backdrop of Chicago’s skyscrapers, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, if it isn't too windy!

Lakes, Reservoirs & Dams

Illinois is also home to a number of lakes and reservoirs, many of which serve as popular recreation areas whilst also supporting nearby towns and infrastructure.

In the southern part of the state, you’ll encounter Rend Lake, a well-known reservoir surrounded by forests and open countryside. We’ve also recreated the Rend Lake Dam, which was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972. 

Not too far from the Dam, you’ll also catch views of other Lakes, including Little Grassy Lake and Crab Orchard Lake, which is a National Wildlife Refuge and the largest of three refuge lakes in the State. Along the I-70 you'll also pass over the Highland Silver Lake, which serves as a primary water source for the city of Highland and other surrounding communities. 

Rivers, Wetlands & Swamps

Beyond the lakes, Illinois is full of waterways that shape its landscape. Drivers heading through the southern areas of the state will be able to spot the Cache River, known for its unique wetland environment and dense vegetation, giving this region a completely different atmosphere compared to the flatter northern stretches. 

You may even spot an old wooden trestle bridge whilst travelling over the Cache River on the IL-3, remnants of the old Illinois Central Railroad, a historic U.S. railway, chartered in 1851, famous for its north-south route connecting the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 

You'll also be able to pass other significant water bodies such as Sandusky Creek, which is nestled along the eastern shores of Rend Lake. And for those who enjoy noticing the finer details during a haul, keep an eye out for features like Hatfield/McCoy Pond, as well as swampy and wetland areas inspired by real-life scenery near the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge which are a part of Illinois' Great River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

We hope you have enjoyed this look at the Water Bodies you'll encounter in upcoming Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. We are excited to share more as development continues, so be sure to keep up to date with the latest updates by following us on X, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter! Until next time, happy haulin'.