Some of the best lakes in Illinois, known as the Chain O’Lakes region, are located in the northern part near the Wisconsin border. These chain lakes in IL are some of the most popular boating destinations in the United States. If you’re wondering how many lakes are in the chain of lakes, there are 15, all connected by the Fox River or other man-made channels. Over holiday weekends, you can expect over 100,000 visitors to flock to this area! Here’s a breakdown of each lake; pick your favorite and plan a day on the water!
- Grass Lake
Rayshon Jones/Facebook This lake is one of the largest chain lakes in IL, but it’s also the most shallow; the average depth is just three feet. But that doesn’t stop visitors from venturing into the middle of the lake to visit Blarney Island, a quintessential beach bar. Read up on the mystery that surrounds Grass Lake. Grass Lake, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
- Spring Lake
Spring Lake Marina/Facebook This tiny lake in Illinois serves more as a means to get from Bluff Lake to Petite Lake, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stunning. It’s surrounded by greenery in the summer, and boasts one of the best marinas in the area, Spring Lake Marina. Check out the website for Spring Lake Marina to learn more about recreating here. Spring Lake Township, IL, USA
- Lake Marie
Kelly Drafke Radzevich/Facebook One of the best lakes in Illinois, this one is very busy during the summer, so if you’re hoping to get some fishing done, experts say to visit on a weekday. Expect to catch bluegill, crappie, and sometimes even walleye. Check out Chain O’Lakes State Park where Lake Marie runs through. Lake Marie, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
- Nippersink Lake
Robin C. Dunham/Facebook Don’t skip over Nippersink Lake as you’re cruising through the chain lakes in IL. It’s centrally located and absolutely beautiful, making it the perfect spot to stop and watch the sunset. Read up on the canoe trail connected to Nippersink Lake. Nippersink Lake, Illinois, USA
- Bluff Lake
Glen Miller/Facebook If you’re looking for a place to eat on this little lake off the larger Lake Marie, Steitz’s Resort is the place to be. Their Friday Fish Fry cannot be beat. Learn more about beautiful Bluff Lake in Illinois and other scenic places in Illinois. Bluff Lake, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
- Fox Lake
Chain O’Lakes Marina/Facebook Tied for the largest lake in the system, Fox Lake is home base for many visitors to the region. Thanks to multiple marinas and great waterside spots like Captain’s Quarters and Fairmont Shores, this chain lake in IL is always busy. Consider visiting this unique cafe in Illinois when you visit Fox Lake. Fox Lake, IL, USA
- Channel Lake
ChannelLake/Wikimedia Less than a mile from the Wisconsin border, this lake in Illinois has an area of 352 acres. When your stomach starts growling from a long day on the lake, visit Thirsty Turtle Brew and View Pub. You won’t go home hungry. Get the details about boating on this lake and other Lake County lakes in Illinois. Channel Lake, IL 60002, USA
- Dunns Lake
Nicole Mateja/Facebook Dunns Lake is a tiny offshoot of Nippersink Lake. If you’re looking for a quiet day on the water, this is one of the best lakes in Illinois to visit. Learn about boating on Dunn Lake and others in the region. Dunns Lake, Antioch Township, IL, USA
- Petite Lake
Cypress Resort & Marine/Facebook Though its name might make you believe Petite Lake is the smallest of the chain lakes in IL, that is far from the truth. It is a lively place with plenty of room for fun on the water. Consider staying at this resort in Illinois that is located on Petite Lake. Petite Lake, Illinois, USA
- Lake Catherine
Bob’s Marina Sitting right next to Channel Lake in Illinois is Lake Catherine, a smaller body of water very close to the Wisconsin border. Discover more about this lake and the other Chain O’Lakes in Illinois. Lake Catherine, IL 60002, USA
- Brandenburg Lake
Stephen/Airbnb A tiny lake at just 75 acres, Brandenburg Lake is an incredible departure from the busier bodies of water of the chain lakes in IL. However, it is privately owned, so access is only available to residents. Get all the details about boating on Brandenburg Lake. Brandenburg Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
- Pistakee Lake
Carol Tobler/Facebook Pistakee Lake shares the title of largest lake in the chain with Fox Lake, as both have an area of 1,700 acres. That leaves you plenty of room for boating, fishing, and water skiing on this lake in Illinois! Read up on what you can expect if you want to fish in Piskatee Lake. Pistakee Lake, Illinois, USA
- Duck Lake
Timothy Tucker/Facebook This lake is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter, with perch among the many other types of fish available. Check out more details on what fishing opportunities Duck Lake has to offer. Duck Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
- Long Lake
Willoway Cottage on Long Lake/Facebook Of course it’s fun to get in the water, but one of the most beautiful ways to see Long Lake is by land. Visit Long Lake Park for a beautiful view of the shoreline of one of the best lakes in Illinois. Get more info on Long Lake. Long Lake, IL, USA
- Redhead Lake
35098 N. Edgewater Lane, Ingleside on Chain-O-Lakes/Facebook This small lake off the larger Pistakee Lake doesn’t get talked about quite as much as some of the others, but it certainly is beautiful. Paddlers love to glide around this peaceful chain lake in IL. See what fish you can catch in Redhead Lake. Redhead Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
Have you ever been on any of these lakes in Illinois? Let us know in the comments!
Rayshon Jones/Facebook
This lake is one of the largest chain lakes in IL, but it’s also the most shallow; the average depth is just three feet. But that doesn’t stop visitors from venturing into the middle of the lake to visit Blarney Island, a quintessential beach bar. Read up on the mystery that surrounds Grass Lake.
Grass Lake, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
Spring Lake Marina/Facebook
This tiny lake in Illinois serves more as a means to get from Bluff Lake to Petite Lake, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stunning. It’s surrounded by greenery in the summer, and boasts one of the best marinas in the area, Spring Lake Marina. Check out the website for Spring Lake Marina to learn more about recreating here.
Spring Lake Township, IL, USA
Kelly Drafke Radzevich/Facebook
One of the best lakes in Illinois, this one is very busy during the summer, so if you’re hoping to get some fishing done, experts say to visit on a weekday. Expect to catch bluegill, crappie, and sometimes even walleye. Check out Chain O’Lakes State Park where Lake Marie runs through.
Lake Marie, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
Robin C. Dunham/Facebook
Don’t skip over Nippersink Lake as you’re cruising through the chain lakes in IL. It’s centrally located and absolutely beautiful, making it the perfect spot to stop and watch the sunset. Read up on the canoe trail connected to Nippersink Lake.
Nippersink Lake, Illinois, USA
Glen Miller/Facebook
If you’re looking for a place to eat on this little lake off the larger Lake Marie, Steitz’s Resort is the place to be. Their Friday Fish Fry cannot be beat. Learn more about beautiful Bluff Lake in Illinois and other scenic places in Illinois.
Bluff Lake, Antioch Township, IL 60002, USA
Chain O’Lakes Marina/Facebook
Tied for the largest lake in the system, Fox Lake is home base for many visitors to the region. Thanks to multiple marinas and great waterside spots like Captain’s Quarters and Fairmont Shores, this chain lake in IL is always busy. Consider visiting this unique cafe in Illinois when you visit Fox Lake.
Fox Lake, IL, USA
ChannelLake/Wikimedia
Less than a mile from the Wisconsin border, this lake in Illinois has an area of 352 acres. When your stomach starts growling from a long day on the lake, visit Thirsty Turtle Brew and View Pub. You won’t go home hungry. Get the details about boating on this lake and other Lake County lakes in Illinois.
Channel Lake, IL 60002, USA
Nicole Mateja/Facebook
Dunns Lake is a tiny offshoot of Nippersink Lake. If you’re looking for a quiet day on the water, this is one of the best lakes in Illinois to visit. Learn about boating on Dunn Lake and others in the region.
Dunns Lake, Antioch Township, IL, USA
Cypress Resort & Marine/Facebook
Though its name might make you believe Petite Lake is the smallest of the chain lakes in IL, that is far from the truth. It is a lively place with plenty of room for fun on the water. Consider staying at this resort in Illinois that is located on Petite Lake.
Petite Lake, Illinois, USA
Bob’s Marina
Sitting right next to Channel Lake in Illinois is Lake Catherine, a smaller body of water very close to the Wisconsin border. Discover more about this lake and the other Chain O’Lakes in Illinois.
Lake Catherine, IL 60002, USA
Stephen/Airbnb
A tiny lake at just 75 acres, Brandenburg Lake is an incredible departure from the busier bodies of water of the chain lakes in IL. However, it is privately owned, so access is only available to residents. Get all the details about boating on Brandenburg Lake.
Brandenburg Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
Carol Tobler/Facebook
Pistakee Lake shares the title of largest lake in the chain with Fox Lake, as both have an area of 1,700 acres. That leaves you plenty of room for boating, fishing, and water skiing on this lake in Illinois! Read up on what you can expect if you want to fish in Piskatee Lake.
Pistakee Lake, Illinois, USA
Timothy Tucker/Facebook
This lake is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter, with perch among the many other types of fish available. Check out more details on what fishing opportunities Duck Lake has to offer.
Duck Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
Willoway Cottage on Long Lake/Facebook
Of course it’s fun to get in the water, but one of the most beautiful ways to see Long Lake is by land. Visit Long Lake Park for a beautiful view of the shoreline of one of the best lakes in Illinois. Get more info on Long Lake.
Long Lake, IL, USA
35098 N. Edgewater Lane, Ingleside on Chain-O-Lakes/Facebook
This small lake off the larger Pistakee Lake doesn’t get talked about quite as much as some of the others, but it certainly is beautiful. Paddlers love to glide around this peaceful chain lake in IL. See what fish you can catch in Redhead Lake.
Redhead Lake, Grant Township, IL 60041, USA
And don’t stop here! Check out these gorgeous lakes in Illinois, too!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in illinois June 25, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the best beaches in Illinois? Although the state is landlocked, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really great beaches in Illinois. Especially when you have 307 miles of Lake Michigan in the state. In Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park, there is over six miles of shoreline to take in, with swimming, biking, camping, and fishing available. Over in De Witt, there is Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Here you can take in the 4,900-acre lake in Illinois, with opportunities to swim and sunbathe along the 1,000-foot beach. It’s also a great spot for fishing for catfish, walleye, and more, with boating and camping on site too. What is the weather like in Illinois in the summer? Like most midwestern states, Illinois experiences a warm summer. The average for the summertime in the Prairie State is somewhere in the 80 range with lows in the comfortable 60-degree range. Expect a bit of humidity to come along with this warmth, with the occasional heatwave bringing temps well above 80. But don’t worry, there is plenty of swimming in Illinois to help you cool off. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Illinois? Getting the whole family out on a hike is always such a rewarding experience. And there just so happens to be a lot of options for family-friendly hikes in Illinois. At Starved Park State Park in Oglesby, there are 13 miles of hiking trails to choose from, with the Ottawa Canyon Trail being a great choice that will work for everyone. At Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village, there’s the Busse Woods Loop Trail, a 7.5-mile loop. This trail is paved, and you can choose to go for as long or as short as you want, with highlights along the way of the 457-acre Busse Lake and gorgeous oakwood and maple trees. And keep your eyes out for elk!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in illinois
June 25, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What are the best beaches in Illinois? Although the state is landlocked, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really great beaches in Illinois. Especially when you have 307 miles of Lake Michigan in the state. In Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park, there is over six miles of shoreline to take in, with swimming, biking, camping, and fishing available. Over in De Witt, there is Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Here you can take in the 4,900-acre lake in Illinois, with opportunities to swim and sunbathe along the 1,000-foot beach. It’s also a great spot for fishing for catfish, walleye, and more, with boating and camping on site too. What is the weather like in Illinois in the summer? Like most midwestern states, Illinois experiences a warm summer. The average for the summertime in the Prairie State is somewhere in the 80 range with lows in the comfortable 60-degree range. Expect a bit of humidity to come along with this warmth, with the occasional heatwave bringing temps well above 80. But don’t worry, there is plenty of swimming in Illinois to help you cool off. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Illinois? Getting the whole family out on a hike is always such a rewarding experience. And there just so happens to be a lot of options for family-friendly hikes in Illinois. At Starved Park State Park in Oglesby, there are 13 miles of hiking trails to choose from, with the Ottawa Canyon Trail being a great choice that will work for everyone. At Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village, there’s the Busse Woods Loop Trail, a 7.5-mile loop. This trail is paved, and you can choose to go for as long or as short as you want, with highlights along the way of the 457-acre Busse Lake and gorgeous oakwood and maple trees. And keep your eyes out for elk!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Although the state is landlocked, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really great beaches in Illinois. Especially when you have 307 miles of Lake Michigan in the state. In Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park, there is over six miles of shoreline to take in, with swimming, biking, camping, and fishing available. Over in De Witt, there is Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Here you can take in the 4,900-acre lake in Illinois, with opportunities to swim and sunbathe along the 1,000-foot beach. It’s also a great spot for fishing for catfish, walleye, and more, with boating and camping on site too.
What is the weather like in Illinois in the summer?
Like most midwestern states, Illinois experiences a warm summer. The average for the summertime in the Prairie State is somewhere in the 80 range with lows in the comfortable 60-degree range. Expect a bit of humidity to come along with this warmth, with the occasional heatwave bringing temps well above 80. But don’t worry, there is plenty of swimming in Illinois to help you cool off.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Illinois?
Getting the whole family out on a hike is always such a rewarding experience. And there just so happens to be a lot of options for family-friendly hikes in Illinois. At Starved Park State Park in Oglesby, there are 13 miles of hiking trails to choose from, with the Ottawa Canyon Trail being a great choice that will work for everyone. At Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village, there’s the Busse Woods Loop Trail, a 7.5-mile loop. This trail is paved, and you can choose to go for as long or as short as you want, with highlights along the way of the 457-acre Busse Lake and gorgeous oakwood and maple trees. And keep your eyes out for elk!
