Des Plaines Lakes

Lakes Around Des Plaines

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot on the water. Fortunately, when you come to Des Plaines you have some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Des Plaines offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor adventures. Scan the data directly beneath this paragraph to see the nearby locations from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Des Plaines

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Des Plaines you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a Des Plaines lake:

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Des Plaines will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several choices.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Des Plaines it makes a lot of sense to bring along many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • USB charger
  • Bathing suits
  • Bug spray
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Radio or speaker
  • A picnic basket

Specialty lake gear

Consider your planned activities when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Kindle
  • Swimming goggles
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. The following safety protocols will make sure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t swim alone

More Des Plaines Lake Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Des Plaines and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will have their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into while planning that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be packed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.