Fox Lake Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Fox Lake, Illinois.


Introduction to Fox Lake

Fox Lake is a charming village located in the northern part of Chicagoland, in the state of Illinois. It is one of the 15 interconnected lakes in the Chain O’ Lakes, a popular destination for boating and water sports. The village offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and local charm.

List of Places to Visit in Fox Lake

Here are some of the must-see places to visit in Fox Lake:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Volo Auto Museum: This museum boasts a collection of over 300 classic, antique, and muscle cars, as well as other exhibits such as vintage bikes and a Hollywood cars display.

  • Fox Lake Metra Station: With its charming architecture, the Fox Lake Metra Station has been a historical landmark since its construction in 1905.

  • Millennium Park: With over 3 acres of land, this park is the perfect spot for a picnic and stroll. It also features a gazebo and a playground.

Natural Attractions of Fox Lake: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chain O’ Lakes State Park: Covering over 2,800 acres of land and water, this park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and boating.

  • Lakefront Park: This park offers stunning views of the Chain O’ Lakes and is perfect for a picnic, swimming, or simply lounging by the beach.

  • Holland Ransom Nature Preserve: With over 25 acres of land, this nature preserve offers hiking trails, a boardwalk over a marsh, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fox Lake

For those seeking outdoor recreation, Fox Lake has a number of hiking and biking routes, including the following:

  • Millennium Trail: This 30-mile trail offers stunning views of the Fox River, and passes through several towns and nature preserves.

  • Chain O’ Lakes State Park: Hikers can explore the park’s 6.5 miles of hiking trails through wooded areas and along the lakeshore.

  • Lakefront Park: This park offers a paved trail that runs along the lakeshore and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Fox Lake: Activities and Tours

  • Boating and Water Sports: With over 15 interconnected lakes, Fox Lake is a boater’s paradise! Visitors can rent boats, jet skis, or kayaks and explore the lakes.

  • Spend a Day at the Beach: With several beaches throughout the village, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnics by the lake.

  • Fox Lake Trolley Tour: This 2-hour guided tour takes visitors on a scenic ride around Fox Lake, highlighting the area’s history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fox Lake

Day 1: Explore the historical landmarks in Fox Lake, including the Fox Lake Metra Station and the Volo Auto Museum.

Day 2: Spend a day at Chain O’ Lakes State Park, hiking and boating on the lakes.

Day 3: Take a leisurely bike ride on the Millennium Trail and then spend the afternoon at the beach.

Day 4: Visit the Holland Ransom Nature Preserve for some hiking and bird-watching.

Day 5: Take the Fox Lake Trolley Tour in the morning and then spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local products.

Day 6: Rent a boat and spend the day exploring the Chain O’ Lakes.

Day 7: Relax and spend the day at Lakefront Park, swimming, sunbathing, and reading a book.

Food and Drink Scene of Fox Lake

Fox Lake boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of options for every taste and budget.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Deep Dish Pizza: No visit to Chicago is complete without trying the city’s famous deep-dish pizza, and Fox Lake offers plenty of pizza places to choose from.

  • Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Another Chicago staple, these hot dogs are made with mustard, onions, relish, pickles, tomatoes, and celery salt.

  • Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef served on a Italian roll, with gravy and giardiniera.

Local Beverages

  • Goose Island Beer Company: This Chicago brewery offers a delicious lineup of year-round and seasonal beers.

  • Chicago Distilling Company: Visitors can take a tour and tasting at this local distillery, which produces a range of spirits from gin to whiskey.

  • Intelligentsia Coffee: This Chicago-based coffee roaster offers artisanal coffee blends and a charming coffee shop in downtown Chicago.

Where to Stay in Fox Lake: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fox Lake has a range of accommodations to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.

  • Anchor Inn Fox Lake: This cozy inn is located just steps from the lake and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and boat rentals.

  • Chain O’ Lakes Campground: For those who prefer camping, this campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins, a pool, and playground.

What to Buy in Fox Lake: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Volo Antique Mall: With over 300 dealers, this antique mall offers a range of vintage and unique items.

  • Fox Lake Country Store: This charming store offers handmade candles, soaps, and other local crafts.

  • Fox Lake Farmers Market: Held on Saturdays during the summer months, this farmers market offers locally grown produce, crafts, and treats.

Local Culture and Customs of Fox Lake

Fox Lake is a friendly and welcoming community that values local traditions and customs, including the annual Fox Lake Fire Department’s National Night Out, a family-friendly event that brings together local residents and businesses.

Best Time to Visit Fox Lake

The best time to visit Fox Lake is during the summer months (June-September), when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors can also enjoy the fall colors and winter sports, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fox Lake

Do:

  • Do bring your swimsuit! Fox Lake has several beaches and opportunities for swimming.

  • Do experience local culture and try local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural habitats.

  • Don’t leave valuables in your car when parked in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fox Lake

Fox Lake is generally a safe village, but visitors should take the usual precautions to ensure their safety, such as locking their doors and using a GPS to navigate unfamiliar areas.

Health in Fox Lake

Fox Lake has a few medical facilities, including Advocate Condell Immediate Care Center and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

Getting to Fox Lake: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fox Lake

The nearest airport to Fox Lake is O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, which is about 40 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Fox Lake

There are no bus stations in Fox Lake, but visitors can take a bus to the nearby city of Waukegan, which is about 12 miles away.

Other Options

The Metra Rail offers a convenient and affordable way to travel from downtown Chicago to Fox Lake.

How to Get Around in Fox Lake

Visitors can get around Fox Lake by car, bike, or boat. The village also offers a free trolley service during the summer months.

Where to Go Next from Fox Lake: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Just a short drive to the north, Lake Geneva offers a charming downtown area, a scenic lakefront, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

  • Chicago, Illinois: About an hour’s drive to the south, Chicago offers world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping.

Conclusion

With its stunning lakeside views, rich culture, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Fox Lake is a must-visit destination in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the great outdoors, Fox Lake has something for everyone.