The nine major lake basinscatherine, channel, grass, bluff, marie, fox, nippersink, petite, and pistakeeare all connected by the fox river waterway and have for over 100 years been northern illinoiss leading destination for inland boaters, fishermen, picnickers, or those just hoping to relax and. In the 1930s a civilian conservation corps ccc camp became the chain o lakes conservation area. Only trollingelectric motors may be operated on the lakes at chain o lakes state park. Fox lake area bars on or near of the chain olakes offering outdoor drinking, waterfront drinking and lakeside drinking serving alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, liquor, cocktails and food. There are about 60 fee launching areas, around 30 boat rental operations, a half dozen private camping spots and various resortmotelhotel operations that provide lodging on the lake. The fox chain o lakes are unique from other major bodies of water in the state in that they were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. Chain o lakes lake county, illinois history public group. The chain of lakes minneapolis area in minneapolis, minnesota. I primarily used a daiwa rod and reel baitcasting setup. Boat rentals are nearby, but we have a slip for your skiboat.
Chain o lakes, bluff lake waterfront w boat slip inc. These cruises run, rain or shine, from memorial day weekend through midoctober. History the chain olakes area was inhabited by central algonquin tribes when europeans first arrived in the mid. Many of these fox lake area drinking establishments on the chain of lakes provide boat access from fox river, fox lake, pistakee lake, lake marie and more. In 1979, the mineola was listed on the national register of. Bass fishing the chain of lakes in illinois duration. Former crystal lake man writes book about history of fox. Chain o lakes state park spring grove 2020 all you need. Black crappie while fishing on chain o lakes illinois on june 8, 2015. View up to date information on how illinois is handling the coronavirus disease 2019 covid19 from the state of illinois coronavirus response site. Enjoy an hour and a half narrated tour that navigates through the beautiful chain o lakes.
Environmental inventory of the chain of lakes and fox. David lester on the history of boating on the foxchain o. Fox chain of lakes illinois fishing guide service doug kloet. Chain o lakes state park spring grove 2020 all you. Called the key west of the midwest, the chain has been drawing visitors to play in the chicagoland region of northern illinois for over a hundred years. Encompassing more than 7,100 acres 29 km 2 of water, 488 miles 785 km of shoreline and 45 miles 72 km of river, the chain is the busiest inland recreational waterway per acre in the united states. Chain o lakes il postcard history series wendy maston, robin j. Fox chain, lake county illinois fishing reports and discussions.
Lake and mchenry counties fox chain o lakes is not more than a 50mile drive from chicagos loop, and with 7,500 acres of interconnected lakes, its not uncommon to have in excess of 50,000 people visit the lake in an average weekend. Route 12 near the cities of antioch, fox lake, and mchenry. Share chain olakes state park located in the northeastern corner of illinois in both mchenry and lake counties, the chain olakes state park is 60 miles northwest of chicago. While this may surprise some due to the high amounts of pressure the chain gets, in this weeks blog we will discuss ways t. Another place you can visit to get the feel of classic lake living is the village of antioch, illinois. Please see the message below from the idnr stratton lock due to the covid19 pandemic and related stay at home executive order issued march 20, 2020, the william g. The fox chain of lakes in illinois is only an hours drive from chicago, milwaukee, and rockford. Chain olakes and chain olakes state park illinois, in northeast illinois. Chain o lakes lake county, illinois history has 2,206 members. This land was incorporated into the state park in 1957.
Test your boating knowledge with this 10 question boating safety practice test. Chain of lakes, chain olakes, or chainolakes is a common name for a series of lakes linked by waterways. See more of fox chainolakes boating history on facebook. If youve never gone rv camping to illinois chain o lakes region, its time you did. Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres of land to explore at the lake county forest preserves, lake county. Caught this bluegill on a worm fishing from shore at mirror lake, wi. With 170 lakes and rivers, enjoy illinois beach state park in zion off the shores of lake michigan and chain o lakes state park in spring grove. Find waterfront bars, lakeside restaurants, boat dealers, marinas, fuel, boat rentals, boat repair and specialties, boat slip rentals, resorts, clubs, schools, sandbars, events and classifieds. The village is situated among the chain olakes, where. Rv campgrounds chain o lakes rv campground lake county, il. The waupaca chain o lakes are a series of 22 interconnected springfed lakes in central wisconsin. Maps show where flooding could occur near chain o lakes. The predominant tribes in the region at that time were the miami, mascouten and potawatomi.
Fox lake history, fox lake il museums, fox lake historical. Mchenry illinoisgrass lakefox lakelake hotellakesriverhistoryknob chain. Cqs is that must stop spot on the chain, and in northern illinois. Lake county outdoor guide come explore our scenic lakes, rivers and land. The chain o lakes area was inhabited by central algonquian tribes when europeans first arrived in the mid1600s. Greetings from antioch, il rppc postcard on chain o lakes, illinois grass lake. Jun 07, 2006 the chain o lakes region has been one of chicagos premier vacation spots since the 1880s.
With access to nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, chain o lakes state park is the heart of a water wonderland. Strum, for compiling this must read for anyone who has an interest in the chain o lakes, waupaca, wisconsin. Apr 22, 2012 pictures of my collection of items from the chain o lakes, il area. Chain olakes restaurants, bars, marinas, boat services and more. Now entering its 39th season, blarney island on grass lake is the only location in the world where high performance drag boat racing takes place every thursday evening, from memorial day to labor day. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, chain o lakes state park is the heart of a water wonderland. Chain o lakes became a state park in 1945, when the state of illinois made an initial purchase of 840 acres.
For convenience, all lakes of illinois should be included in this category. With over 7,100 acres of water, 15 lakes and 45 miles of river the fox chain of lakes in illinois is wildly popular for its fishing opportunities. The 10 best things to do near chain o lakes state park. The farm at the park was purchased by the department of conservation in 1969. Jul 30, 2015 the history of boating on the fox chain o lakes was fueled by lesters passion for boat racing, a sport over which he bonded with his antioch neighbor, gary frankowski.
Nine connecting lakes will be the center of your adventures at chain olakes. David lester on the history of boating on the foxchain o lakes. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, chain olakes state park is the heart of a water wonderland. The chain olakes region was originally inhabited by various native american tribes. The temperature was in the 70s with partly cloudy skies. Zillow has 11 homes for sale in 60020 matching chain o lakes. Its residents contributions to motorboat development and to the sport of boat racing does not compare any other location in the. The outdoor bar at cqs will automatically keep your mind on that great summers day you are spending on the chain o lakes. Jan 28, 2011 another place you can visit to get the feel of classic lake living is the village of antioch, illinois. Beautiful city parks, a nicely historic downtown and an abundance of summer events make this little town a familyfriendly place. Its very peaceful on weekdays, a bustling place on. These native american groups led a semimobile lifestyle and grew corn, hunted, fished and gathered wild plant foods.
Chain o lakes 60020 real estate 11 homes for sale zillow. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 23 miles of forested trails, fish the electricmotorsonly lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, visit the parks historic oneroom stanley schoolhouse, or explore the nature center. The history of boating on the fox chaino lakes is a nearly 600page account of the various uses of the fox river and the chain o lakes starting in the mid1800s, when steam paddlewheeled. Illinois beach sp chain o lakes sp braidwood dunes savannahgrasslands galena fults hill cahokia mounds feryne cliff sp illinois caverns lowden sp volo bog natural area lake shabbona many, many, many others im forgetting. The following sites have been designated as premium campgrounds. The waupaca chain o lakes by zachary bishop, foreword by. The sport of boat racing in the fox chain o lakes, however, has a history that goes at least as far back as 1897 at pistakee bay, according to dave lesters book, the history of boating on the. Perhaps the best muskie fishing in illinois comes from our most popular lake. Share chain o lakes state park located in the northeastern corner of illinois in both mchenry and lake counties, the chain o lakes state park is 60 miles northwest of chicago. Gasoline motors may remain on board, but may not be operated. For more information, contact chain olakes state park, 8916 wilmot road, spring grove, il 60081, 847 5875512. The chain olakes is a waterway system in northeast illinois composed of 15 lakes connected by the fox river and manmade channels.
David lester selfpublished a book on the chain o lakes area to. Without hesitation my answer is the fox chain o lakes in antioch il. He is also a living link to the past, a time dating from the 1920s when the chainolakes area in particular and lake county in general were popular playgrounds for people like the tony accardos. This was filmed in the chain of lakes near the illinois and wisconsin border. The following concession services are available at chain o lakes. When the railroad tracks were extended from chicago to. Campground details chain o lakes state park, in indiana. Chain olakes state park,illinois beach state park, kankakee river state park,rock cut state park,shabbona lake state recreation area, starved rock. When the railroad tracks were extended from chicago to mchenry in 1854, the journey became a bit easier. This includes all lakes but not reservoirs that can also be found in the subcategories. Chain o lakes state park archery range green loop gold finch i park and region il route 173 oak point day use area oak grove picnic area keep your eye on every issue of outdoor illinois dnrs monthly magazine provides current news and.
The lakes crystal clear waters, steep treecovered banks, and other unique natural properties have long attracted people to their shores, starting with the precolumbian mound builders and menominee indians. These 10 amazing spots in illinois are perfect to go fishing. Lake and mchenry counties fox chainolakes is not more than a 50mile drive from chicagos loop, and with 7,500 acres of interconnected lakes, its not uncommon to have in excess of. The fox chain olakes is a collection of 15 navigable lakes on the fox river, each with its own flavor. Full of history and, interestingly, the tales of many of the settlers to the area. Fox chain olakes, illinois, usa vacation info lakelubbers. Created to improve and maintain the fox river and chain olakes public waterway for recreational uses, to restore environmental quality, manage flooding, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life along the waterway for residents and users alike. Fox waterway agency serving the fox river chain olakes. With access to nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, chain olakes state park is the heart of a water wonderland. There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in lake county. Wetland in the chain o lakes rra, photo by mike jeffords, inhs, because of its glacial history, wetlands are particularly concentrated in northeastern illinois. The fox chain o lakes is located 50 miles northwest of chicago off illinois route 173 and u. Turner lake south campground in chain olakes, illinois right where youd expect it to be, turner lake south campground offers class b premium sites just mere steps from the.
The monthly catch is higher during april thru june at lakes located in the northern part of the state fox chain olakes, heidecke lake, lake carlton, shabbona lake, and spring lake north. Lake county outdoor guide visit lake county, illinois. If you didnt know about these 10 swimming holes in illinois, youve been missing out. Chain o lakes vacationland fold out postcardpicturebook scenes grass. Encourage and promote the fox river and chain olakes as a. In the mid1800s, chicagoans began to notice the chain olakes region as a hunting and fishing paradise, although it was difficult to get there.
Today, the lotus flowers are gone but blarney island remains open with a boating bar, according to dave lesters book, the history of boating on the fox chain o lakes. Today, the lotus flowers are gone but blarney island remains open with a boating bar, according to dave lesters book, the history of boating on the fox chainolakes. This photographic history about the fox chainolakes, located 40 miles northwest of chicago, tells the story of how a remote sportsmans hunting and fishing paradise became the worlds busiest waterway and chicagos most popular summer tourist destination. The chain olakes were formed when the wisconsin glacier melted, leaving behind many of the lakes now present in the fox river valley, including those in the chain. Bolger lock facility on the fox river in mchenry county will be temporarily closed. Aug 06, 2017 this was filmed in the chain of lakes near the illinois and wisconsin border. Information, reservations and camping in chain o lakes state park, indiana. Grass lake marina and rv park is the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy the beautiful spring, summer and fall seasons of lake county. Jun 30, 2014 this photographic history about the fox chain o lakes, located 40 miles northwest of chicago, tells the story of how a remote sportsmans hunting and fishing paradise became the worlds busiest waterway and chicagos most popular summer tourist destination. Find waterfront bars, lakeside restaurants, boat dealers, marinas, fuel, boat rentals, boat repair and specialties, boat slip rentals, resorts, clubs, schools, sandbars, events and. Environmental inventory of the chain of lakes and fox river region of illinois. The nine major lake basinscatherine, channel, grass, bluff, marie, fox, nippersink, petite, and pistakeeare all connected by the fox river waterway and have for over 100 years been northern illinoiss leading destination for inland boaters, fishermen, picnickers, or those just hoping to relax and play at the beach.
Things to do near chain o lakes state park on tripadvisor. Chain o lakes lake county, illinois history has 2,091 members. David lesters book features historic boating photography and accounts. The chain o lakes region has been one of chicagos premier vacation spots since the 1880s. Chain o lakes postcard history and millions of other books are available for. Bass fishing the chain of lakes in illinois youtube. Composed of 9 major lakes interconnected by channels, the fox chain o lakes. The chain o lakes is located in northeastern illinois in lake and mchenry counties between antioch and mchenry. The history of boating on the fox chainolakes was fueled by lesters passion for boat racing, a sport over which he bonded with his antioch neighbor, gary frankowski. The 15 lakes in illinois chain olakes you need to visit. David lester selfpublished a book on the chain o lakes area to preserve the fastdisappearing history of the region.
Vintage real photo postcard rppc petite lake antioch illinois 1942. Chain olakes state park, an illinois state park located. Feb 03, 2015 a question im asked quite often by most illinois muskie anglers is, what is my favorite lake close to home. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 23 miles of forested trails, fish the electricmotorsonly lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, visit the parks historic one. The chain o lakes is a waterway system in northeast illinois composed of 15 lakes connected by the fox river and manmade channels. Learn about the history of the area everything from the glacial impact, to local wildlife and island folklore. A designated camping facility that has a preponderant history of consistently operating at capacity. The roads were little more than wellworn trails and paths. Chain olakes, illinois postcard history series by wendy. Reserve a facility online or learn more about lodging and activities. The history of boating on the fox chaino lakes is a nearly 600page account of the various uses of the fox river and the chain o lakes starting in the mid1800s, when steam paddlewheeler boats were transporting passengers and goods, leading up to the recreational boating and racing that came after the turn of the 20th century.
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