5 Lakes In Illinois That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

Illinois is one of the states in the U.S. that is cold with snow in the winter. With the cold weather comes frozen waterways, which people flock to ice skate, ice fish, play hockey, or enjoy from the shore. Why not get outside when you’re faced with stuffy indoor air, the boredom of watching TV, or playing games with your kids that have already been played a thousand other times? Many people who call Illinois home brave the frigid outdoor temps by wearing their warmest winter gear and playing outside on the lakes that freeze entirely over. Wouldn’t you do the same?

1. Clinton Lake

The central Illinois location of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Center makes it accessible for those near the town of Clinton and also those who are in the nearby cities and just looking to escape for a day. Clinton Lake was created in 1970 as a cooling station for the nearby Exelon Power Station. The lake itself is 4,900 acres of beautiful water and amazing experiences.

Clinton Lake is a popular spot, no matter the time of year. During summer, visitors enjoy camping and swimming, with a 1,000-foot sand beach for children to play. The recreation center is filled with fun outdoor activities the entire family will enjoy.

In the winter months, once the ice on the river has reached several inches, the crowd returns. This time, the visitors bring their warmest clothing, bundled-up children, some fishing gear, and maybe even a few snowmobiles. It’s tough to decide which season provides the most fun.

2. Candlewick Lake

Candlewick Lake is situated in the northern section of Illinois, approximately 60 miles from Chicago. A private gated community surrounds the artificial lake. Candlewick Lake is 410 acres of nicely groomed lake. The lake offers rowboats and paddleboat rentals, along with acceptable motorboats. It also has a beach for sunbathers and children.

In the winter, the lake is filled with ice fishers trying their luck. Though it certainly pays to live in the gated community to have year-round access to the lake, it’s not necessary. There are also many vacation rentals in the community, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out the nearby Rock Cut State Park, which is accessible to the public.

3. Olsen and Pierce Lakes at Rock Cut State Park

Rock Cut State Park is a fun park, even if water sports isn’t your idea of a good time. There are plenty of family-oriented outdoor activities to keep everyone smiling all day and night. It doesn’t stop once the weather gets cold, either. In the summer and fall, visitors can spend their days swimming at Olsen Lake, fishing and boating at Pierce Lake, and hiking before cooking dinner over a campfire. Kayak rentals, concessions, and volleyball are available at Olsen Lake.

Hunting is permitted in the fall, and the park is closed to the general public. In winter, brave the ice fishing world and see who can catch the biggest fish. If you enjoy skiing, there are plenty of well-groomed trails waiting. There are also trails for those who prefer shoeshoes.

4. Sterling Lake

Sterling Lake is located in the northeastern corner of Lake County, Illinois. It is nested in the Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, which also has plenty to offer if you like outdoor fun with the family or as a solo traveler. The Des Plaines River Trail bisects the forest preserve and includes numerous activities like snowmobiling and horseback riding. Sterling Lake allows car-top boats and kayaks and also electric boats.

During the winter, when the ice has reached four and a half inches thick, plenty of day ice fishers are out hoping to land some large fish. The park is open for fishing from 6:30 in the morning until an hour after sunset. Some locals have said the lake‘s deeper areas are late to freeze, and caution must be used.

5. Chain O’Lakes

This is the holy grail of winter fun. The Chain O’Lakes comprises three natural lakes: Grass, Marie, and Nippersink. The Fox River connects the rest of the lakes, making a chain. The other lakes are Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine, and Redhead. Locals argue over which lake provides the best ice fishing, though Petite Lake might be the winner.

Within the Chain O’Lakes State Park, there are many opportunities to have fun with family and friends or on a solo trip. There are 230 camping sites, several cabin rentals, and a youth camp in the summer. Other activities are hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, biking, boating with a paddle or trolling motors, archery, hunting at specific times, and fishing.

In the winter, the fun begins at the Chain O’Lakes State Park. There are areas for optimal sledding, snowmobiles for playing on the frozen lake, snowmobile trails, ice fishing, and skiing. Skiers can use the bike, horse, or hiking trails for their adventures. The McHenry County snowmobile trail opens up to the lake.