LTA Then and Now

Lake History & Facts

The American Central Corporation completed the Lake Thunderbird dam in 1970 resulting in a lake with 8+ miles of shore line and approximately 115 acres of water surface. Several creeks and springs feed the lake to maintain a maximum water depth of 66 feet and an average depth of 35 feet. Senachwine Creek is the primary source of water. This provided an ideal water sports arena and beautiful home sites and camping.

Lake Thunderbird Association consists of approximately 1,560 acres of timber covered hillsides and valleys that were formed during the last glacial intrusion into Illinois. The varied landscape around the entrance on the Illinois River valley side to the western exit on the upland prairie side offers an excellent location for a secluded community and provides sufficient elevation change to accomodate the large earthen dam needed to produce the lake.

Lake Thunderbird was one of several lake developments that resulted from the "urbanization of America" in the 1960's and 1970's. Cars and highway infrastructure, combined with cheap gas prices, encouraged many people to seek homesites outside the crowded and noisy cities. Hence, Lake Wildwood at Varna, Oak Run at Galesburg (Dahinda) and Lake Thunderbird developments began. That together with a new steel mill at Hennepin and an interstate highway project intended to link Hennepin and Peoria with I-80 were the developer's strategic vision for a successful project.

For an interesting mention of Lake Thunderbird, see this article: Putnam County

No one at the time envisioned the Arab Oil Embargo of 1974 or the following downturn in the business cycle in 1982 and the overall impact it would have on Lake Thunderbird. After a very successful start and lots of development for about a decade, the steel mill at Hennepin closed its doors, gas prices began to increase and many people considered rural living as no longer attractive. During this period Lake Thunderbird continued to grow slowly and maintain its uniqueness and individuality for those members who had fallen in love with the scenic beauty and tranquility of the location.

As the boom years of the late 90's and early 21st century brought more economic independence to folks, Lake Thunderbird once again became the focal point for many families wanting either a weekend getaway far from the city or a retirement home in a peaceful setting. Hence today, Lake Thunderbird Association is a thriving and growing community with almost 500 homes on the over 1900 lots. Many folks are year round residents, long term campers or lot owners who want to take advantage of the many wonderful amenities provided by membership in LTA.

Updated 2/6/2012 by TEL

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