STAY. PLAY.

menu with sandwiches and entrees like the Parmley Cajun pork chops served with cajun potatoes or the meatloaf stack with mashed potatoes. Grab a seat to watch the sunset or stop for a lunch and enjoy the waterfront views. It’s a family-friendly restaurant that is a great destination.

Sunset Pavilion

BEER GARDEN

125 N. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich sunsetpavilion.com

It may be a small body of water, but the sunsets are just as beautiful in Lake Zurich, located a few blocks off Route 12. Tucked inside a village park, find plenty of locals at this neighborhood favorite as they walk or ride their bicycles to the park and snag a table for the evening show as the sun sinks below the horizon. The food menu is simple, but delicious and the drink options are plentiful. Though, be warned the house-made sangria packs a punch. Stop for a bite and beverage and then wander into the small downtown to discover a few more restaurant gems including a new Korean BBQ on the Lake and the longtime favorite DiPiero Ristorante. On Wednesdays in the summer the community event Groove Grove features a pair of food trucks and live music.

EL PUERTO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

200 N. Forest Ave., Fox Lake

From margaritas on the patio along Nippersink Lake to burritos and tacos, El Puerto has been serving dishes made with fresh ingredients for more than 20 years. Open year round, the patio draws guests to the beautiful outdoors and there’s even an outdoor fireplace for cool evenings. Arrive by land or boat to check out the menu full of favorites and great specials too. Don’t let a rainy day deter a visit, there are three indoor dining rooms.

The Metalwood Grille

820 N. John St., McHenry metalwoodgrille.com

Find waterfront dining inside the McHenry Country Club at The Metalwood Grille located along the Fox River. From the All-You-Can-Eat Friday Fish Fry and classic Reuben to fresh salads and wraps, the menu offers something for everyone to enjoy whether they’re finishing a round of golf, floating down the river or enjoying a day of shopping nearby. There’s parking for boats, cars and yes, golf carts too.

Stay

THE COTTAGES ON PETITE LAKE

25621 Hermann Ave., Antioch www.thecottagesonpetitelake.com

If you’re looking for early 1900s cottage charm with modern updates, this lakefront resort is the destination for comfort and fun. It features a houseboat, yacht, tiny house, and charming cottages. Guests enjoy multiple amenities such as an expansive beach, rooftop deck, kayaks, canoes, fishing, grills, a fire pit, and more. You can rent a boat to explore the lakes, too.

LAKEVIEW PLACE

COTTAGES & BAR

39151 N. Jackson Drive, Spring Grove www.lakeview-place.com

Just steps from Grass Lake, Lakeview Place provides tranquility to relax and the thrill of renting a pontoon boat to traverse the lakes. Enjoy the fully equipped 1- and 2-bedroom boutique cottage units. Each offers style and comfort with queen-size beds and fluffy pillowsperfect indulgences to rest after a day in the sun. Enjoy refreshments at the on-site bar.

WATERFRONT HOTEL & MARINA

3309 N. Chapel Hill Road, Johnsburg www.waterfronthotelandmarina.com

The newly transformed Waterfront Hotel & Marina along the Fox River is the perfect setting for spending time by the water or settling in after visiting local attractions. Rooms offer a private balcony, and some have riverside or marina views. Guests can reserve space and dock their boat overnight for an additional charge. Light up your evenings at the hotel’s Wave Bar & Grille for live music, delicious food and libations, and video gaming, too.

DRAGONFLY BED & BREAKFAST

1034 Main St., Antioch www.dragonflyantioch.com

Relax and take in the beauty of this charming Victorian home, built in 1885, located in the heart of historic Antioch. Envelope yourself within the beauty of antiques amid a backdrop of original pine floors and tin ceilings. Take a deep breath. Sit on the enclosed front porch or the back deck overlooking the pond. Start the day by indulging in a full homemade breakfast with fresh baked goods and homegrown vegetables. Then, take time to explore the area or enjoy fun on the lake.

CAMPING AT CHAIN O’ LAKES STATE PARK

8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove

FISH LAKE BEACH

CAMPING RESORT

32223 N. US Highway 12, Volo www.fishlakebeach.com

FOX RIVER RECREATION

CAMPGROUND

27884 W. Route 173, Antioch www.foxriverrecreation.com

GRASS LAKE MARINA AND RV PARK

26250 W. Heart O’Lakes Blvd., Antioch www.grasslakemarina.com

SPRING GROVE CAMP (PRAIRIE CLUB)

3716 N. US Highway 12, Spring Grove www.theprairieclub.org

Play

Water recreation enthusiasts – boaters, anglers, and skiers – are drawn to this area, especially during the summer months, for unlimited outdoor fun and adventures. The park is open every day with summer hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1 through October 31.

Family, friends and kids gather to enjoy all of the activities and amenities available at the park. Summertime beckons those who use the bike, hiking, and equestrian trails. There are four trail systems throughout Chain O’ Lakes focused on your favorite past time. During the winter, they convert for crosscountry skiing fun.

Summer fun means so many different things to people of all ages and no one is left out with a complete list of things to do at the park. Furry friends on a leash are welcome as well. There are picnic areas with tables, grills, water fountains, and toilets available for visitors, plus shelters and playground equipment.

The Chain O’Lakes draw anglers like magnets who spend time fishing with hopes to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, and more favorites.

There’s no charge to launch your own boat, but anticipate a Fox Waterway Management Agency user fee which can be purchased at the concession stand, which offers food, fishing equipment, baits, camping supplies, and other rentals, such as bicycles, boats, and canoes.

Bring your own horse to traverse the trails or they can be rented at the horse corral, too.

Camping is a huge favorite at the Park with many sites that offer electricity, water, toilets, and other necessary amenities, depending on which campground location you choose, advance reservations are recommended for approximately 25% of the camping sites. There’s so much to do at this magnificent Park. Whether you’re enjoying water sports, picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, or walking the trails, the park is a very special place you shouldn’t miss. If you are a local or from out of town, Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a must see. Experience the magnificence of this 2,793-acre state park and its adjoining 3,230-acre conservation area. The park welcomes everyone to enjoy the splendor of nature, and the Pike Marsh North Picnic Area provides accessibility for disabled and/or elderly visitors. It includes a quartermile hiking trail.

Splash in the lakes. Hook the big one. Track your steps. Explore this amazing corner of Northeastern Illinois.

Private, Recreational Camp Resort pools & beach, lakes, trails, recreation programs

So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade.

Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music.

Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires.

Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights.

Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

Historic Trolley Tours are the best way to spend one hour and see the beauty of Starved Rock Country. Learn about the rich history of this unique part of Illinois as you travel to the IL Waterway Visitor Center to see the Lock & Dam and tour the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center. Tours run Monday, Wednesday & Saturday from 3-4:30 p.m. There are two tours on Sundays (Noon-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.). Tickets are $18/adults; $15/ seniors; $13/Children under 10. Children under age 3 ride for free.

The Main Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested, especially on weekends and at peak dining times. Smoked Prime Rib, made in-house, is on the menu every Saturday night from 5-9 p.m., along with a menu featuring salads, steaks and many other delicious choices.

The Great Hall is the setting for the Lodge’s Tribute to the Stars Shows. Book now for upcoming shows which all include a hot lunch buffet. Take a Hike & a Lunch guided hikes are offered each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hikers will discover Starved Rock’s canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 3-mile round trip