Extensive renovations continue at Rend Lake Resort in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Illinois Capital Development Board overseeing a $26.4 million project. The upgrades, the first major improvements since the resort closed in 2016, are expected to be completed in 2026.
Work is underway across the 3,300-acre property, including demolition, remediation, and major structural repairs to 17 buildings. Key improvements include:
Cabins: Eleven cabins, both ADA accessible and standard, are receiving full renovations, including new siding, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and roof coatings.
Schooner Boatel: Exterior repairs, siding, roof recoating, balcony deck replacements, concrete cleaning, and interior updates.
Flagship Boatel: Structural repairs, new walkways, concrete cleaning, roof coatings, and full interior renovations.
Restaurant: New deck and sidewalk, interior remodel, roof coating, updated kitchen equipment, HVAC, and finishes.
Conference Center: Roof replacements and recoating, exterior painting, siding updates, interior renovations, HVAC, and kitchen upgrades.
General Store: New siding, roof coating, deck replacement, HVAC updates, and redesigned interior.
Pool Area: New pool equipment, removal of old hot tub, new children’s splash pad, roof coatings, and surface repairs.
Site Features: New playground, upgraded tennis courts, dock repairs, and improved trash enclosures.
State Representative, Dave Severin of Benton praised the work, saying, “This is an impressive renovation, and it’s exciting to see real steps toward reopening a facility that means so much to people in southern Illinois.”
The resort, which once drew more than 2 million visitors annually, is expected to finish most renovations by spring 2026, with the Flagship Boatel completing slightly later. After structural work is completed, a vendor will be selected before the resort can officially reopen.