Mount Prospect Lakes

Lakes Around Mount Prospect

When the weather is right you just need to spend some time on the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Mount Prospect you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Mount Prospect offer you plentiful options for outdoor activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Mount Prospect

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Mount Prospect there are many activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Mount Prospect lake:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Mount Prospect provide a wealth of great picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Mount Prospect offer 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 getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Mount Prospect!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take many of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Swimsuits
  • Backup clothing
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable phone charger
  • A picnic basket
  • Bottle opener
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A fully stocked cooler

More lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips should make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Mount Prospect, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your itinerary substantially more successful. As an example, each lake has their own features so it’s important to think about what will make for an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  3. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.