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Find your perfect property in Illinois

Illinois offers a blend of vibrant city life and serene natural landscapes for discerning travelers seeking diverse experiences.

Discover Illinois' Premier Family Escapes

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Travel Tips

  • Embrace the Local Culture

    Explore Chicago’s Magnificent Mile for luxury shopping and dine at Michelin-starred Alinea for an unforgettable experience.

  • Respect Nature

    Explore the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie’s restored ecosystem, home to native flora and bison herds.

  • Be Flexible

    Drive your car to Starved Rock State Park’s canyons 95 minutes southwest of Chicago for hiking and boating.

  • Support Local Businesses

    Experience the renowned thin-crust pizzas at Bill’s Pizza & Pub in Mundelein, a local favorite since 1957. Explore the unique wines at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove, offering a delightful tasting experience. Enjoy a day of fun at Centennial Park Aquatic Center in Orland Park, featuring water slides and pools.

Prairie Lakes Where Chicago’s Pulse Meets Tranquil Shores

Illinois surprises with 3,000 lakes dotting its prairie heartland, where Chain O’Lakes’ seven connected waterways create 488 miles of navigable channels through ancient glacial valleys. Venetian Night at Lake Geneva draws 50,000 spectators each August to witness illuminated boat parades, while Victorian mansions converted to lakefront estates shelter families exploring 26 miles of shoreline aboard restored mahogany speedboats. Carlyle Lake spans 26,000 acres as Illinois’ largest man-made reservoir, its sailing club estates featuring wraparound verandas where St. Louis escapees toast spectacular sunsets while great blue herons fish the spillway’s churning waters below the dam.

Shawnee Hills Harbor Hidden Aquatic Treasures

Rend Lake’s 18,900 acres nestle within Southern Illinois’ unexpected hill country, where floating cabins bob beside championship bass waters that produced the state record 13-pound largemouth. The Du Quoin State Fair transforms Labor Day into lakeside revelry, as pet-friendly lodges near Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park welcome four-legged swimmers to designated beaches where retrievers splash alongside their humans casting for crappie beneath towering bald cypresses. Lake Shelbyville’s 172 miles of oak-lined shores conceal secluded compounds perfect for multi-generational gatherings, complete with fish cleaning stations and pontoon fleets for exploring hidden coves where white pelicans pause during epic migrations.

Curated Retreats for Land of Lincoln Lake Lovers

Apple Canyon Lake’s private 475-acre paradise restricts access to property owners, creating exclusive rental opportunities where groups commandeer lakefront estates with game rooms stocked for rainy-day tournaments. Clinton Lake attracts couples to restored barn conversions featuring clawfoot tubs overlooking waters where the nation’s first commercial nuclear plant creates year-round warm-water fishing, while Matthiessen State Park’s canyon pools offer nearby adventures through sculpted sandstone gorges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what Illinois has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Lake of the Ozarks region offers family-friendly rentals from $150 nightly with sandy beaches and calm waters. Chain O’Lakes near Fox Lake provides affordable cottages with boat rentals included from $125. Rend Lake features state park cabins under $100 with swimming beaches and playgrounds. Lake Shelbyville delivers budget options near Decatur starting at $85. Lake.com showcases numerous Illinois lakefront properties with detailed family amenity filters.

  • Starved Rock area combines romantic lodge rooms overlooking the Illinois River with canyon hiking from $175 nightly. Apple River near Galena offers cozy cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs perfect for anniversaries under $200. Lake Geneva’s Illinois shores feature intimate B&Bs with couples’ packages. Mississippi Palisades provides secluded river cottages with stunning sunset views. Browse Lake.com’s romance collection for properties with special amenity tags.

  • Lake Michigan’s Illinois shores showcase luxury estates in Harbor Country with private beaches from $1,000 nightly. Chain O’Lakes premium properties include yacht access and concierge services from $600. Galena territory offers golf course mansions with river views starting at $500. Downtown Chicago’s lakefront penthouses command $2,000+ with skyline views. Lake.com’s luxury filter helps identify high-end waterfront properties with verified amenities and professional management.

  • Shawnee National Forest area provides rustic cabins near Garden of the Gods from $60 nightly perfect for hiking groups. Pere Marquette State Park offers lodge rooms and cabins under $100 with eagle watching. Illinois Beach State Park features beachfront camping cabins from $40. Matthiessen State Park area includes group-friendly rentals near waterfalls. Lake.com’s group search feature identifies properties with multiple bedrooms and shared spaces.

  • Southern Illinois extensively welcomes pets, with Shawnee Forest cabins featuring fenced yards from $75 nightly. Lake Shelbyville rentals commonly accept dogs with $50 fees and nearby trails. Chain O’Lakes cottages include pet amenities and boat ramps for water-loving dogs. Starved Rock area offers pet-friendly lodging near leashed hiking trails. Lake.com’s pet-friendly filter shows properties with specific pet policies and nearby veterinary services.

  • Galena offers historic mansions sleeping 12-20 perfect for girlfriend getaways near shopping and wineries from $400 nightly. Lake of the Egypt features large lakefront homes with game rooms ideal for reunions under $350. Chain O’Lakes provides multi-unit properties allowing privacy within groups. Starved Rock Lodge offers group packages with meeting spaces. Search Lake.com’s group-size filters to find properties accommodating 8+ guests with event-friendly policies.

  • October through March offers 40-60% discounts on Illinois lake rentals, though swimming season ends. Late August provides warm water with back-to-school savings of 30%. Weekday bookings save significantly year-round, especially Tuesday-Thursday. May offers mild weather before Memorial Day crowds. Avoid summer holiday weekends when prices triple. Lake.com’s price tracking feature alerts travelers when favorite properties drop rates during off-season periods