Golconda Marina

With slips for more than 200 boats, Golconda Marina is an Ohio River landmark. Located in extreme southeastern Illinois in the town of Golconda, the marina serves as the gateway to the river's Smithland Pool. A 23,000-acre recreational area of fingered tributaries off the Ohio River, Smithland Pool is recognized as one the finest fishing and boating areas in the nation.

The site for the marina was created in 1937 when barrow dirt was used to build a flood wall around the town of Golconda. The resulting pit formed a water-impoundment area that offered excellent trapping and fishing.

The marina began as a project of the Lusk Conservancy District and was completed as a joint venture of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Opened in 1988 as one of the Ohio River's most up-to-date facilities, the marina is owned by the Department of Natural Resources, which leases it to a private concessionaire.

A large bluff on the north side of the marina, also owned by DNR, features camping, picnicking, and 2 hiking trails overlooking the river. Called Rauchfuss Hill after a farm family who lived there for many years, the site also has been known as Steamboat Hill because of the view it offers of steamboats traveling the Ohio River.

The marina is a full-service facility, offering:

  • Overnight moorage
  • Covered slips
  • Marine Supplies
  • Gas
  • Diesel
  • Mechanic service
  • Food and Drink
  • Shower facilities

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