Ever wonder what the best lakes in Chicago are to visit? It’s your friendly neighborhood Chicagoan here, ready to spill the beans on the best lakes our amazing city has to offer. You know, when I first moved to Chicago, I thought it was all about the skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Turns out, this concrete jungle is hiding some seriously gorgeous bodies of water. So grab a cup of joe, and let’s dive into my adventures exploring the top 10 lakes in Chicago.
1. Lake Michigan: Chicago’s Crown Jewel
Let’s kick things off with the big kahuna itself – Lake Michigan. This is by far the place to be when visiting lakes in Chicago. I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on this beast. It was a scorching summer day, and I was a sweaty mess trudging through the city streets. Then bam! I turned a corner, and there it was – this massive expanse of blue stretching as far as the eye could see. I legit thought I’d stumbled onto an ocean!
Lake Michigan isn’t just a pretty face, though. It’s the lifeblood of Chicago, providing us with drinking water, recreation, and some killer views. I’ve spent countless weekends lounging on the beaches along the shoreline. Oak Street Beach is my go-to spot for people-watching and pretending I’m on a tropical vacation (minus the palm trees, of course). The fishing in Lake Michigan is some of the best in the world. You can catch yellow perch, walleye, steelhead, lake trout, and salmon in this Great Lake. You can also try your hand at fly fishing in Lake Michigan.
Pro tip: If you’re into water sports, rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the beachfront vendors. I tried stand-up paddleboarding for the first time last summer, and let’s just say, I spent more time in the water than on the board. But hey, that’s half the fun, right?
2. Lincoln Park’s South Pond: An Urban Wildlife Haven
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Lincoln Park’s South Pond is your jam. This little oasis is smack dab in the middle of one of Chicago’s busiest neighborhoods, but step onto the Nature Boardwalk, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a whole other world. This is one of the more famous lakes in Chicago.
I stumbled upon this gem during a particularly stressful work week. I was power-walking through the park, trying to clear my head, when I spotted a great blue heron fishing in the pond. I stopped dead in my tracks, completely mesmerized. From that day on, South Pond became my go-to spot for impromptu nature therapy sessions.
The pond is teeming with wildlife – turtles, ducks, and even the occasional coyote if you’re lucky. And don’t even get me started on the dragonflies! I once spent a whole afternoon trying to snap the perfect dragonfly photo. Spoiler alert: I failed miserably, but I had a blast doing it. Make sure to bring a high-resolution camera to visit the pond so you can take home some memories.
If you’re a bird nerd like me, bring your binoculars. The Nature Boardwalk is a hotspot for bird watching. Just be prepared for some strange looks from joggers as you excitedly point out a yellow-rumped warbler. Trust me, I speak from experience.
3. Jackson Park’s Wooded Island: A Hidden Oasis
Alright, history buffs, this one’s for you. Jackson Park’s Wooded Island is like stepping into a time machine. This place was designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, and let me tell you, it’s aged like fine wine.
I discovered this hidden gem purely by accident. I was training for a 5K (spoiler alert: I never actually ran the race) and decided to explore a new running route. As I jogged through Jackson Park, I stumbled upon this lush, green island surrounded by water. It was love at first sight.
The island is a paradise for plant enthusiasts. I’m no botanist, but even I can appreciate the diverse array of trees and flowers. There’s a Japanese garden that’s so peaceful, you’ll forget you’re in the third-largest city in the US. I’ve spent many a lunch break here, munching on a sandwich and pretending I’m a Zen master (spoiler alert: I’m not). There are over 250 species of birds that frequent the island. Even more so during the fall migration around the lakes in Chicago.
Word to the wise: bring bug spray. I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up looking like I had chicken pox after a particularly mosquito-heavy evening walk.
4. Humboldt Park Lagoon: A Community Favorite
Next up on our lake tour is Humboldt Park Lagoon. This place is the heart and soul of the Humboldt Park neighborhood, and boy, does it know how to throw a party! This is a 30-acre recreation area for city people to enjoy. There are four habitats to explore in the park!
I’ll never forget my first visit to the lagoon. It was during the Puerto Rican Festival, and the park was alive with music, laughter, and the smell of mouth-watering food.
Speaking of those swan boats, they’re a must-try. Fair warning though: they’re harder to maneuver than they look. My friend and I spent a good 15 minutes going in circles before we figured out how to steer straight. The other boaters got a good laugh out of it, at least.
If you’re into fishing, Humboldt Park Lagoon is stocked with a variety of fish. I tried my hand at it once, armed with a borrowed rod and no idea what I was doing. I didn’t catch anything, but the old-timers fishing nearby were more than happy to share their tips (and their snacks).
5. McKinley Park Lagoon: A South Side Gem
Let’s head to the South Side and check out McKinley Park Lagoon. This place is a bit of a hidden gem, which makes it perfect for those days when you want to escape the crowds.
I discovered McKinley Park Lagoon during a phase where I was determined to explore every park in Chicago (spoiler alert: I gave up after about 20). It was a crisp fall day, and the trees around the lagoon were showing off their autumn colors. I was instantly smitten.
The lagoon itself is pretty small, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a hotspot for local anglers, and I’ve seen some impressive catches pulled out of there. I once watched a kid reel in a bass that was almost as big as he was! The look of pure joy on his face was priceless. Access is easy with a paved walking path around the lagoon.
One of my favorite things about McKinley Park Lagoon is the walking path that circles it. It’s just the right length for a stroll or a quick jog. Pro tip: visit in the early morning to catch the mist rising off the water. It’s seriously Instagram-worthy (not that I’ve ever stood there for 20 minutes trying to get the perfect shot or anything…). Make sure you put this on your list of lakes in Chicago to visit.
6. Douglas Park Lagoon: A Westside Wonder
Moving on to the West Side, we’ve got Douglas Park Lagoon. This place is a prime example of why you should never judge a book by its cover (or a park by its Google Maps image).
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I first visited Douglas Park. But man, was I wrong. The lagoon is beautiful, surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees. It’s like a little slice of countryside in the middle of the city.
One of my favorite memories of Douglas Park Lagoon involves a rather ambitious attempt at bird-watching. I had just bought my first pair of binoculars and was eager to try them out. I spent hours creeping around the lagoon, trying to spot rare birds. In the end, all I saw were pigeons and a very confused squirrel. But hey, it’s the effort that counts, right?
If you’re into sports, Douglas Park has got you covered. There are fields for just about every sport imaginable. I once joined a pickup soccer game and quickly remembered why I stuck to bird-watching. Let’s just say, I have many talents, but soccer isn’t one of them. There is a golf course close by for you to enjoy also!
7. Gompers Park Lagoon: A North Side Retreat
Heading back up north, we’ve got Gompers Park Lagoon. This place is a bit off the beaten path, but trust me, it’s worth the trip.
I discovered Gompers Park Lagoon during a particularly ambitious bike ride. I was trying to increase my stamina and ended up getting completely lost. Just when I was about to admit defeat and call an Uber, I stumbled upon this beautiful lagoon.
The lagoon is surrounded by natural areas that are home to all sorts of wildlife. I once spent a whole afternoon watching a family of ducks navigate the water. The mama duck was trying to keep all her ducklings in line, and let me tell you, I’ve never related to anything more in my life.
If you’re into fishing, Gompers Park Lagoon is stocked with a variety of fish. I’ve seen people pull out some impressive catches. I tried my hand at it once, but the only thing I caught was a tree branch. The fish were probably laughing at me under the water. This is one of the most visited lakes in Chicago.
8. Garfield Park Lagoon: A Botanical Paradise
Now, let’s talk about Garfield Park Lagoon. This place is a feast for the eyes, especially if you’re a plant nerd like me.
My love affair with Garfield Park Lagoon started when I visited the nearby conservatory. After spending hours ooh-ing and aah-ing over exotic plants, I wandered outside and found myself face-to-face with this beautiful lagoon.
The lagoon is surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens that change with the seasons. In spring, it’s a riot of colorful tulips. In summer, the water lilies take center stage. And in the fall? Don’t even get me started on the fall colors. I once spent an entire Saturday trying to capture the perfect photo of the autumn reflections in the water. My phone storage has never been the same since.
9. Washington Park Lagoon: A Historic Haven
If you’re into boating, you can rent paddleboats here during the summer months. Word of advice: don’t wear your favorite shoes. I learned this lesson the hard way when I accidentally stepped into knee-deep mud while trying to board a boat. My white sneakers were never the same again.
Let’s take a trip to the South Side and check out Washington Park Lagoon. This place is steeped in history, and you can feel it in the air as soon as you arrive.
I first visited Washington Park Lagoon during a city-wide scavenger hunt (don’t ask, it was a phase). One of the clues led me here, and I ended up spending way more time exploring than I should have. Needless to say, my team lost the scavenger hunt, but I gained a new favorite spot in the city.
The lagoon itself is beautiful, but what makes this place special is the surrounding park. It was designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the same guy who designed Central Park in New York. You can see the similarities if you squint and use your imagination (and maybe have a couple of beers).
Washington Park hosts a ton of community events throughout the year. I once attended a jazz festival here and ended up dancing the night away under the stars. My moves were questionable at best, but the atmosphere was so joyful that nobody seemed to mind.
10. Columbus Park Lagoon: An Architectural Gem
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Columbus Park Lagoon. This place is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things in life are hidden in plain sight.
I discovered Columbus Park Lagoon completely by accident. I was on a mission to try every ice cream shop in Chicago (again, don’t ask, it was a phase), and the nearest shop happened to be near this park. One taste of rocky road later, I found myself wandering into the park and stumbling upon this gorgeous lagoon. What sets Columbus Park apart is its design. It was created by Jens Jensen, a landscape architect known for his naturalistic approach. The result is a lagoon that looks like it’s always been there, surrounded by native plants and winding paths.
The lagoon is a haven for wildlife. I once spent a whole afternoon watching a group of turtles sunbathing on a log. I named them all after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, because why not? Michelangelo was particularly photogenic.
If you’re into golf, Columbus Park has a 9-hole course that winds around the lagoon. I tried it once, with emphasis on “tried”. Let’s just say, more of my golf balls ended up in the lagoon than on the green. But hey, at least the ducks appreciated my unintentional offerings.
10 Best Lakes in Chicago: Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, folks – my tour of the top 10 lakes in Chicago. From the vast expanse of Lake Michigan to the hidden charm of Columbus Park Lagoon, each of these urban oases has its unique character and charm.
These lakes in Chicago have been my salvation during the craziness of city life. Whether I needed a quiet spot to clear my head, a place to attempt (and fail at) new hobbies, or just somewhere to enjoy a sunny day, these lakes have always delivered. So here’s my challenge to you: get out there and explore these amazing spots. Pack a picnic, grab your friends (or just a good book), and make 2024 the year you get to know Chicago’s lakes. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you – and more importantly, your soul will too.
Remember, the best adventures are often right in your backyard. So what are you waiting for? Go make a splash in Chicago’s amazing lake scene! And hey, if you see someone fumbling with a paddleboard or chasing ducks with a camera, give them a wave – it might just be me!