The State of Illinois allows Concessionaires the right to run businesses within the State Parks located in Illinois.  It was with great pride that local residents Denny Sands and Gary Berg became those Concessionaires at Shabbona Lake State Park.   In the Spring of 1998, Denny Sands and Gary Berg embarked on a journey of partnership to open Lakeside Bait, Tackle and Boat Rental, The Camp Store and Pokanoka's Cafe.  Denny & Gary both grew up in Shabbona and spent countless hours playing along the Indian Creek which now feeds water into Shabbona Lake.  They remember what the land looked like before the water was there.  Denny has been fishing Shabbona Lake since the day it opened.  He has passed on his love of fishing to his family and the thousands of visitors he speaks to each year.

After the lake open and was filled Denny and his friend, Jim Drury began teaching anglers "how-to" fish Shabbona Lake by presenting seminars each year.  These seminars were a huge success and Denny still continues to do these seminars today.  Jim has since passed away, but his memory lives on with Shabbona Lake.  

Along with Denny and Gary, you will find that their families also have a love for Shabbona Lake.  Many members of each family help keep the businesses working.  Gary's wife, Margaret can be found in The Camp Store along with his sister-in-law and nephews.  Denny's wife, Kathy makes sure the flower beds around the businesses are kept looking beautiful.  Their children, Aaron & Clint can be found working in the bait shop passing along the knowledge they learned from their dad.  Their daughter, Becky maintains the website.  Clint's wife, Heather and his mother-in-law, Kathy can be found in the restaurant serving the famous burgers and meals to fisherman and park visitors.  Denny's grandchildren, Christian and Anthony can be found assisting customers in the bait shop and at the boat rental area.  This is truely a passion for the Sands and Berg family!

Originally home to tribes of Native Americans, the park derives its name from Chief Shabbona. Pioneer settlement of the area began in the 1830's. From Shabbona Grove, in the southeast corner of the park, homesteaders spread over the region and began farming the rich soil.

In 1965, it was decided to develop a lake and recreation area on the site, and land acquisition was begun in 1969. By 1978, 1,550 acres had been obtained. In 1973, the lake area was cleared of trees, the shoreline was modified and earthen fishing piers and fish congregators were erected. By 1975, a 3,000-foot-long earthen dam with a concrete spillway was completed and the lake was formed. Day use facilities were constructed in 1976 and continue to serve the public today. In 1995 a restaurant, boat rental and bait and tackle facility was opened for business. This facility provides a sit-down eating area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a fully stocked bait and tackle shop. Boat rentals include boats with and without motors.