Near North Side Lakes

Lakes Close to Near North Side

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot by the water. As it turns out, when you come to Near North Side you have lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many great motivations for a getaway to a lake in Near North Side during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Near North Side have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the data below to see the options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Near North Side

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost boundless list of things to do for couples or families.

Every getaway at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Near North Side provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Near North Side!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Near North Side with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along some of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Portable stereo
  • Bug spray
  • Sunblock
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to eat
  • Bathing suits
  • USB charger

More lake gear

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Games for the beach
  • Your tackle box
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Bait
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Wine key

Lake Safety

While spending a weekend at a lake in Near North Side can provide lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Near North Side Lake Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Near North Side and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, any body of water is going to have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be packed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!