Galesburg Lakes

Lakes Around Galesburg

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. A lake getaway is amazing for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Galesburg offer you numerous opportunities for aquatic fun. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then set out on your next vacation to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Galesburg

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Galesburg you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Galesburg provide tons 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Galesburg!

Picnic time. The lakes near Galesburg provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Galesburg that has a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Galesburg you will likely need to take along some of these items so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Bathing suits
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Insect repellant
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Something to eat
  • Tennis shoes
  • Sunscreen

Specialty lake stuff

Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Life jackets
  • Bait
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing gear
  • Corkscrew
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Galesburg, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that your whole group are always safe while around the lake.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Galesburg

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Galesburg and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water will have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. 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 fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!