White settlement of the Spring Lake valley began around 1830. Steamboats penetrated up the Illinois River to Peoria in 1829 and by the mid-1800s a significant commerce developed along the river in commodities such as grain and meat. Spring Lake at that time became a feeder-type waterway joined to the river by a backwater slough. Establishment of the Spring Lake Drainage and Levee District in 1903 resulted in construction of a large dike around the bottoms containing Spring Lake, and boat access to the river was no longer possible. Therefore, the Drainage District was required to construct a marine railway over the dike to accommodate water traffic.
Legend has it the railway was used only once, eventually fell into disrepair and was abandoned.
Spring Lake also was used by shallow draft vessels for navigational purposes until about 1915. All five areas have tables and outdoor stoves. A concessionaire, located near the south boat ramp, provides boat rentals. There is a concessionaire located at the Causeway Day Use Area providing bait, tackle, sandwiches and drinks. A trailer disposal station is available.