Oak Run, Illinois

Oak Run is a census-designated place and resort community in Persifer and Copley townships, Knox County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 547.

Description
Oak Run is located three miles (5 km) north of U.S. Highway 150 between Knox County Highway 12 and Knox County Highway 15. The development surrounds the 580 acre Spoon Lake, the largest man-made body of water in Central Illinois. It consists of approximately 4000 acre of land situated in Persifer and Copley Townships. There is a golf course, convenience store, restaurant, and gas station as well as two marinas and several parks. Other facilities include a swimming pool, lounge building, tennis courts, beaches and a 56-site campground. The Oak Run area is maintained by the Oak Run rangers. There are both year round residents and vacation cottages located in Oak Run.

History
Following the purchase of this acreage from 27 land owners, American Central commenced construction of Oak Run in 1971. Oak Run is situated in an area long referred to by area residents as "Round Bottom". The 580 acre Spoon Lake was impounded by the construction of an earthen dam 61 ft high and 550 ft wide at its base. The lake is approximately 60 ft deep at the dam and provides nearly 19 mi of shoreline. The lake first reached pool elevation in 1973 and is fed by Sugar Creek and natural springs. More than 40 mi of public hard surfaced roads have been constructed to county road specifications. The public Oak Run Golf Course opened in mid-summer of 1976.

Geography
Oak Run is located at an elevation of 738 ft. Spoon Lake divides the town.