Any lakes besides lake michigan within an hour or 1.5 hours of Naperville? (Chicago: live, restaurants)

[doodlemagic]

Looking to get into sailing. Planning on buyign like a 15-20 foot sailboat. A bit small for lake michigan. Wondering what soem other large lakes in the area are besides lake michigan where one could take a sailboat. Only thing I've found thus far is crystal lake. Anything in/around dekalb or anywhere else?

[AbbyJaneway]

This list of lakes from the Illinois DNR might help you: Boating : Boating Opportunities.

[jsk1983]

Geneva Lake in Wisconsin?

[calvin338]

Originally Posted by jsk1983

Geneva Lake in Wisconsin?

Too far.

I would look into some of the lakes in the mid to far NW suburbs, like Crystal Lake, Lakemoor, or Wauconda. Bangs lake in Wauconda has a ton boating and recreation including nice restaurants and bars. I could be wrong but I think I remember the lake in Busse Woods in Elk Grove having some sail boats on it, but I can't remember.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by calvin338

Too far.

I would look into some of the lakes in the mid to far NW suburbs, like Crystal Lake, Lakemoor, or Wauconda. Bangs lake in Wauconda has a ton boating and recreation including nice restaurants and bars. I could be wrong but I think I remember the lake in Busse Woods in Elk Grove having some sail boats on it, but I can't remember.

Very small, would be for learning how to sail

[midwest1]

Cedar Lake Indiana? Just across the state line, 45 minutes south of the city.

Cedar Lake Yacht Club

[doodlemagic]

Originally Posted by calvin338

Too far.

I would look into some of the lakes in the mid to far NW suburbs, like Crystal Lake, Lakemoor, or Wauconda. Bangs lake in Wauconda has a ton boating and recreation including nice restaurants and bars. I could be wrong but I think I remember the lake in Busse Woods in Elk Grove having some sail boats on it, but I can't remember.

I used to go boating at channel lakes alot with my uncle, more tubing and stuff in powerboats. I don't know too mcuh about sailing, I do know sailboaters and powerboaters aren't crazy about each other lol kinda like skaters rollerbladers. Anyhow, from a few forums hear people saying channel lakes are a bunch of drunk powerboaters and not a great place for sailing. Having been out ther eI would say its more crowded if nothing else which may not be ideal

[pmmenn2014]

There are two nice lakes in the Dupage forest Preserve district on Butterfield Rd in your area. One is Just East of the West Branch of the DuPage River and the other is Herrick Lake which is smaller the west lake is of a good size for a beginner and just has sail and canoes or kayaks on it I've been out tof the area for 20 yrs but I did sail on it before I left. The Chain of Lakes is OK during the week but it and Lake Geneva both get rough due to powerboats on the weekends.

if you do not need a launch for a trailer the number of lakes goes up There are a number of fishing lakes that restrict HP west and south of you if I were you I would do my sailing there. There is a nice lake at Rock Cut Park near Rockford about 60 Acres. There are power plant cooling lakes in LaSalle Co near the Illinois River.

Whatever you decide call ahead to the site manager for site specific rules. Or search the web.

[pmmenn2014]

One more thought if you wish to try Lake Michigan watch the weather. wait for a west or south west wind of less than 10 knots at the shore Use USCG near shore weather service information Not Chicago Local which is gathered at OHare Airport. USCG will also give you expected wave height. The first west wind day after some easterly winds means warmer surface water temps and calmer waves. I lived on the southeast side for the first 20 years of my life.

[mattywo85]

OP trying the Northern suburbs around McHenry, Wonder Lake, etc. Tons of nice lakes in that area.