Skokie Lakes

Lakes Close to Skokie

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Skokie. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Skokie there are quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Skokie this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Skokie have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. 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 a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Skokie

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer getaway gives you an almost boundless list of activities for families or couples.

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

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Skokie offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Skokie with a public boat launch you can use 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 honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the day, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bathing suits
  • Portable stereo
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Dry shirt
  • UV protection
  • Sunglasses

Specialty lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and who will be joining you, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to departure.

  • Corkscrew
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway at your favorite body of water can provide lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Skokie and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water will have their own character and trappings, but here are a few things to look into while making plans which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!