Elmhurst Lakes

Lakes Near Elmhurst

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Elmhurst. A lake vacation can be perfect for people that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Elmhurst this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the data directly beneath this paragraph and see your options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Elmhurst

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Elmhurst there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Elmhurst gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you a number of options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the day, the list below should be an excellent place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Insect repellant
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Dry shirt
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Towels
  • Snacks

Additional lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and your guests, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Swimming goggles
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Bait

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day at your favorite body of water can provide 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.

  • 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
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

Some More Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Elmhurst and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review when planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Elmhurst might be very busy. If you want more space to yourself, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. 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. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.