Pekin Lakes

Lakes Around Pekin

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time by the water. A stay at a lake can be perfect for people that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Pekin offer you numerous options for outdoor adventures. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road this weekend and discover your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Pekin

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

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

Picnic time. Pekin’s lakes provide many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Pekin offer all kinds of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take many of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Insect repellant
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Dry shirt
  • Radio or speaker
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bottle opener
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunblock
  • A receptacle for trash

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Rafts for the kids
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your tackle box
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that you and your family are always safe on the water.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Pekin, there are a few things that might make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, each individual lake near Pekin is going to have their own features so it is important to consider what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Pekin might be very busy. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.