Duck Bay Shelter at Lake Glendale on the Shawnee National Forest is reservable for the 2026 recreation season, due to reconstruction efforts by HistoriCorps and volunteers.

Reconstruction of the shelter began in October 2025 and was completed in March 2026. The Duck Bay site is reservable for group camping by contacting the Lake Glendale Concessionaire at 618-658-0607.

Guided by HistoriCorps staff, volunteers and Shawnee staff rebuilt the new shelter based on plans from the original 1939 structure. HistoriCorps is a national 501(3)c non-profit dedicated to engaging volunteer workforces to preserve historic places and provide free mentorship in preservation trades.

“Lake Glendale was one of the original recreation areas created when the Shawnee began in the 1930’s” said Heather Carey, heritage program manager. “This project allows us to pay tribute to the historic nature of Lake Glendale, while also providing updated amenities expected by forest users today.”

Carey explained that the logs used to create the structure were harvested directly from the Duck Bay area on the Shawnee.

The original 1930’s structure was removed and replaced in the 1960’s, though several historic features were left intact, and remain standing today, including the stone fireplace and chimney and the flagstone apron and stairways around the exterior.

“Completing the restoration of the historic Duck Bay pavilion at Lake Glendale marks a proud moment for our Forest and our communities,” said Hidden Springs and Mississippi Bluffs District Ranger, Dennis Wilson. “This project honors the craftsmanship and spirit of those who came before us, while ensuring that the pavilion remains a place for gathering, reflection, and connection for generations to come. It stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in preserving our shared heritage.”

Reconstruction of the Duck Bay shelter is part of a larger $4.1 million dollar, multiyear, phased rehabilitation project at Lake Glendale, funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), established by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).

Last year, projects included extensive masonry work at the historic Goose Bay shelter led by HistoriCorps, as well as the replacement of the spillway trail bridge, the largest trail bridge located on the popular hiking trail that encircles Lake Glendale.

Through this multi-million-dollar GAOA project, additional improvements planned for the Lake Glendale Recreation Area include replacement of the shower and beach houses, repaving the road, and replacing the restroom at Pine Point Picnic Area.

Funding from the LRF is helping to address the backlog of deferred maintenance on popular recreation areas like Garden of the Gods. Well-maintained infrastructure allows for safe enjoyment for visitors and contributes to tourism and recreation-related economic activity in local communities.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.