Chicago Lakes

Lakes Close to Chicago

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake vacation is wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Chicago offer you lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Browse through the data below to have a look the options including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Chicago

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly limitless list of activities for couples or families.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Chicago provide many excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you a number of options.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Chicago with a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Chicago so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Bathing suits
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Sunblock
  • USB charger
  • Dry shirt
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Towels

More lake stuff

Consider the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your tackle box
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing gear
  • Wine key
  • Bait
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Books

Lake Safety Checklist

While spending a weekend to the lake should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Chicago

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Chicago, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary far more successful. For example, every individual lake near Chicago is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Chicago can get extremely crowded. To find some more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!