Chain O'Lakes

With over 7100 acres of water, the Fox River's Chain O'Lakes is the second largest inland water-oriented recreational asset in Northeastern Illinois and ranks second in popularity in the entire United States. With its 15 lakes, 40 miles of Fox River and over 450 miles of shoreline, the system accommodates a range of water-borne activities including hunting, boating, fishing, birding and swimming. The system is centrally located approximately one hour's drive from Chicago, Milwaukee or Rockford. The lakes were formed by glaciers that moved across northern Illinois. The Fox Chain of Lakes are generally shallow, and the average depth is around ten feet. The Illinois DNR manages the Chain O'Lakes State Park on the west shore of the lake. Development in recent years from the sprawl of Chicago has affected the lakes. More boats are on the water, and more homes are being built around the bodies of water. The system of lakes has been a recreational area for Chicago and its surrounding communities since the late 19th century.