Anybody been to chain o lakes in Illinois

[Hoss]

Has anybody had there Bennie to Chain O Lakes in Illinois. We live in Ohio and looking to go on vacation there . Is it worth the 400 miles to go and how are the water depths and do they have alot of area to boat and see things. They say its the Key West of North . Any info would be alot of help... Hoss

 

[Friar]

Hi Hoss welcome to the forum.

Up until about 10 years ago I lived in Lake Villa, IL (for 17 years) and the nearest point on the Chain was about 2 miles away. If you have researched it you know that the Chain is about 15 lakes of varying sizes connected naturally by the Fox River or man-made channels.

There are lots of marinas and restaurants/bars on the Chain (Blarney Island comes to mind).

Two years ago I was visiting my son and his wife and went out on his runabout, saw lots of pontoon boats and decided I wanted one in Texas (thus the reason I have my Bennington).

From the Chain it is about 50-60 miles south to downtown Chicago and 40-50 miles north to downtown Milwaukee; it is also about 90 miles northwest to the Wisconsin Dells area.

So besides boating, there are lots of things to do especially in the summer but, I never heard of the Chain being called the "Key West of the North" lol. I have been to Key West and am not sure I would make the comparison!

There are lots of things to do (boating and otherwise) however on a warm summer weekend expect the Chain to be super crowded. To be honest, I don't think I would tow a boat 400 miles to put up with it.

 

[archangel]

I have both of my boats up there. The water depth varies alot. You could be in 3ft water at one moment, and 25ft in another. I like the lake, but no speed limit so you have the jet boats and bajas running around like idiots. Lots of bars and restaurants. One thing you will need to purchase a daily or 10 day waterway sticker from (www.foxwaterway.org), pay around $10.00 to put in your boat.

Issues for new boaters up there:

1. Water depth (you can really get yourself in trouble)

2. Fox Waterway stickers

3. Busy lake on the weekends (great during the weekdays)

4. No near-by hotels. Gurnee is where the most popular hotel chains are.

I personally wouldn't tow 400 miles to this lake. Lake Shelbyville would be better if you are towing to IL.

I don't tow water toys on the weekend (personal preference and safety for my kids). Mostly tie up in a bay, drop anchor, and chill throughout the day on the weekend.

 

[archangel]

Check out www.funonthefox.com for more information. This is the main website for the Chain. You can register and post the same question to the boaters up there. Probably get the same feedback.

Now if you lived up here, I would say it is a great lake to be on. I don't tow, and just have toon on the lift at the marina.

 

[Smoky Mountain]

Check out www.funonthefox.com for more information. This is the main website for the Chain. You can register and post the same question to the boaters up there. Probably get the same feedback.

Now if you lived up here, I would say it is a great lake to be on. I don't tow, and just have toon on the lift at the marina.

Depending where you are in OH, have you ever tried Norris Lake in east tn? Awesome pontoon lake.private coves marinas fuel etc all available.

Tellico and Loudon are nice too.

Personally I wouldn't spend a dime of my

Discretionary income in the Socialist State o Illinois.

Now the chain of lakes in the people's Republic of Michigan, elk, skegmog,torch would be wrth the investment. Assuming it didn't snow.

 

[archangel]

I personally hate Illinois, and would move to TN in a heartbeat if my wife would agree to it. I have family in Knoxville, and up at Fairfield Glade.

and now back to the boating discussion.

6 weeks before the toon goes in the water!

 

[Friar]

Hmm - I loved Illinois!