Nestled in the heart of Oakwood Hills, Illinois, Silver Lake is a serene, 47-acre, spring-fed gem surrounded by charming single-family homes.
Silver Lake has two municipal beaches—North Beach and South Beach—where everyone is welcome to enjoy the summer sun. Families swim, picnic, and build sand castles, while friends relax and play along the shore. Both beaches are perfect spots to enjoy the water, the sand, and time with neighbors or visitors alike.
Its clear waters are home to a variety of fish, including Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Rock Bass, Panfish, and Carp, making it a favorite destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is also well-stocked with Muskies and other game fish, offering plenty of excitement for anglers of all levels.
Rowboats, paddle boats, canoes, and small sailboats glide quietly—motorized boats are not permitted—preserving the lake’s calm, natural beauty for residents and visitors alike.
Winter has its own special attractions. When the lake freezes over, the ice comes alive with hockey games, figure skaters, ice fishing fans, and cross-country skiers, making Silver Lake a year-round hub of community fun and outdoor enjoyment.
Silver Lake History
Silver Lake was formed by an earthen dam located at the northeast corner of the lake. Water leaves Silver Lake through a controlled outlet near North Shore Drive and flows into Silver Creek. From there, it travels through Oakwood Hills and McHenry County Conservation District property before eventually reaching the Fox River.
Water enters Silver Lake at the southwest end through a drainage channel. This channel begins south of the lake, crosses under Crystal Lake Avenue, and connects underground to the outlet of neighboring Lake Killarney. Together, this system helps regulate water movement between the two lakes.
Changes to the Inlet Channel and Lake Bottom
The inlet channel was last dredged in 1972. Over the many years since then, the channel has slowly filled in. This has happened mainly because soil has washed into the channel from its steep banks, some of which are more than 15 feet high. In addition, filling and regrading of land along the channel by nearby property owners has further reduced its ability to carry water.
As a result, water now moves less freely into Silver Lake. The southern bay of the lake, where this water enters, has also filled in with sediment over time. What was once deeper open water has become much shallower.
Water Level Concerns
Today, Silver Lake experiences noticeable changes in water level throughout the year. These fluctuations are a concern, especially when compared to neighboring Lake Killarney, which has maintained a consistently stable and full water level.
Historical engineering studies noted as early as the 1960s that the lake’s inlet channel and southern bay were becoming blocked with sediment. Although the channel was reopened in 1972, decades of erosion and sediment buildup have once again reduced its effectiveness.
As of today, the continued sediment buildup in the inlet channel and the southwest bay has led to shallow water conditions, reduced water flow, and ongoing challenges in maintaining stable lake levels.
Why This Matters
The condition of Silver Lake directly affects residents, property owners, and the surrounding environment. When water levels fluctuate or remain low, several important issues arise:
Water Quality: Shallow water warms more quickly, which can lead to increased algae growth and reduced oxygen levels for fish and wildlife.
Flooding and Drainage: A blocked inlet channel limits the lake’s ability to handle heavy rain, increasing the risk of localized flooding or poor drainage upstream.
Recreation and Enjoyment: Lower water levels can restrict boating, fishing, and other recreational activities, reducing the lake’s value as a community resource.
Property Values: Healthy, stable lakes support shoreline stability and help protect nearby property values.
Long-Term Sustainability: Without maintenance, sediment buildup will continue, making future restoration more difficult and costly.
Understanding these issues helps guide informed decisions about maintenance, restoration planning, and long-term stewardship of Silver Lake.
Time Line of Events Impacting Silver Lake
- 1927 – Channel/trench excavated from Lake Killarney to Anderson Lake now called Silver Lake 1928 – Earthen dam and spillway were constructed to contain lake water
- 1950’s – Spillway outlet structure rebuilt 1958 – Village of Oakwood Hills formed 1961 – Road grading and seal coating 1963 – Lake weed control started
- Late 60’s – Lake level issues between Killarney and Silver Lakes
- 1972 – Inlet channel dredged/clean-out (from Crystal Lake Ave north to lake)
- Mid 70’s – Spillway / water level was established (1980 EPA Volunteer Lake Monitoring program started)
- 1986 – Six aeration defuses (2 in south inlet bay, 4 main lake body)
- 1988 – Concrete block seawall at North Beach and replaced with a steel piling seawall in 1999
- 1993 – Aeration system replaced with 500’ of aeration tubing (200’ south inlet bay, 300’ main lake body)
- 2001 – Partial dredging of lake/channel (approx. lots 3 to 6 of block 24, unit #2 area by property owners)
- Approx. 2010 – Plastic sleeve placed inside spillway culvert drain pipe