[2][3] Lake Sara's attractions include a two marinas, a public beach, two restaurants, various rental properties (including a camp ground), and several area golf courses.

The lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

[4] The lake was built and is owned by the Effingham Water Authority,[5] a public entity established in 1955 by a 4–1 vote of Effingham City Council, in response to a water shortage felt throughout much of the Midwest at the time.

[6] Habitat enhancement structures were dropped in the Lake to attract aquatic life.

This Effingham County, Illinois location article is a stub.