The Land of Lincoln is a gorgeous place. Illinois consists of nearly 58,000 square miles, and that landscape hides over 150 lakes. Some of them, believe it or not, are man-made. Tucked away in Lincoln Trail State Park is one such man-made lake, and on its shore is the best comfort food restaurant in Illinois. It operates during the warmer months, but there’s a way you can still grab a bite in the off season. Check it out:

Since 2014, locals and visitors alike have flocked to the banks of Lincoln Trail Lake not just for great scenery, but also for great food.

Matt Mangan/Google Images

Lincoln Trail Restaurant is somewhat modest in its appearance, but the surrounding scenery speaks for itself…

Jan Pratt/Google Images Lincoln Trail Restaurant has something delicious cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is closed Monday through Wednesday, but as the week winds down it seems the aromas in this incredible restaurant grow more indulgent.

…After all, you’ll be dining against humongous windows that showcase the surrounding landscape.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Google Images

Here, the food is upscale American fare – the perfect indulgence for diners and campers.

management/TripAdvisor Imagine camping in Lincoln Trail State Park and waking up to this. It is open April through October, but you can attend special events like the March Wine and Dine in the off season. You’re going to want to snatch up tickets for this ASAP!

Whether you enjoy comfort food, seafood, or both, you’ll find something on the menu to tickle your taste buds.

Melissa W/TripAdvisor

And the local landscape? Why, it’s gorgeous all year round…

Viri Villagomez/Google Images If you swing by in the off season for an event, you’ll find specialty eats like reimagined and indulgent pub fare. During both dining hours and special events, you will enjoy fresh food with a focus on locally grown goods.

…But it is best enjoyed at sunset.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Google Images

Before you dine, you might consider hiking and exploring the surrounding forest and lake shore.

Viri Villagomez/Google Images Lincoln Trail State Park has welcomed visitors for decades. This thousand acre wood was dedicated in 1958, and its crown jewel (the Lincoln Trail Lake) was finished just two years before that.

Or, you might simply come for the food an enjoy the views while you dine. Either way, you’ll have an unforgettable time.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Google Images

This modest restaurant on the shore of Lincoln Trail Lake is a must for hungry diners, both during dining hours and during special events.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Facebook As a family-owned restaurant, you know you are going to be priority here. This cozy and welcoming eatery is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the landscape of the Land of Lincoln.

No wonder so many consider this pretty place to be the best comfort food restaurant in Illinois! There’s much to love here, from their menu to their milieu.

Matt Mangan/Google Images

Jan Pratt/Google Images

Lincoln Trail Restaurant has something delicious cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is closed Monday through Wednesday, but as the week winds down it seems the aromas in this incredible restaurant grow more indulgent.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Google Images

management/TripAdvisor

Imagine camping in Lincoln Trail State Park and waking up to this. It is open April through October, but you can attend special events like the March Wine and Dine in the off season. You’re going to want to snatch up tickets for this ASAP!

Melissa W/TripAdvisor

Viri Villagomez/Google Images

If you swing by in the off season for an event, you’ll find specialty eats like reimagined and indulgent pub fare. During both dining hours and special events, you will enjoy fresh food with a focus on locally grown goods.

Lincoln Trail State Park has welcomed visitors for decades. This thousand acre wood was dedicated in 1958, and its crown jewel (the Lincoln Trail Lake) was finished just two years before that.

Lincoln Trail Restaurant/Facebook

As a family-owned restaurant, you know you are going to be priority here. This cozy and welcoming eatery is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the landscape of the Land of Lincoln.

Craving more homemade deliciousness? Swing by Illinois’ best country restaurants for more delicious dining.

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Address: 16500 E 1350th Rd, Marshall, IL 62441, USA