Sink your toes into the sand, claim a lounger, and let the kids run straight into Petite Lake. A genuine private beach, not a muddy boat ramp, right outside your door on the Chain O' Lakes.
Private sandy beaches are rare on the Chain O’ Lakes. Most lakefront properties offer a grass yard down to a hard shoreline, or a dock with no easy water access. PLR’s sandy beach is a proper swim-in, wade-out shoreline with a gradual entry into the lake.
Set up in a beach lounger, pull a beach chair to the water’s edge, or grab a picnic table and enjoy lunch just steps from the water. It’s the kind of setup you’d expect at a resort, included in every stay.
No hauling gear. Everything you need for the perfect lake day is ready and waiting for you.
A proper swim-in, wade-out shoreline with a gradual entry into the lake. Clean sand and a gentle slope make it ideal for kids and non-swimmers.
Rinse stations and bathroom facilities located just steps from the sand, keeping the transition from lake to cabin clean and convenient.
Complimentary life vests, sand toys for the kids, and rafts are fully included and staged right at the beach for your stay.
Comfortable beach loungers complete with side tables. Relax at the water's edge and soak in the sun steps from the lake.
Picnic tables positioned by the water. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, snacks, or drinks without ever leaving the beach area.
A designated swim area keeping lake watercraft out, providing a safe and worry-free space to swim and wade.
| Season | Beach Conditions | Best Activity | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day – Labor Day | Warm sand, 70-80°F water temps, full sun afternoons | Swimming, lounging, paddleboarding, picnic lunches | Peak season, book 60+ days out for summer weekends |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Cool sand, 50-60°F water, wildflowers on the shore | Morning walks, wildlife watching, kayak launches | Pelican Palooza in April, bring binoculars to the beach |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | Warm sand into October, crisp mornings, golden light | Sunset chairs, the "last dip" swim challenge, foliage views | October evenings on the beach before sauna = peak PLR experience |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Snow-covered sand, frozen shoreline, ice on the lake | Ice fishing from the beach edge, Nordic plunge after sauna | The beach-to-sauna walk is 30 steps, the classic PLR winter ritual |
Spend the afternoon on the beach, swim, lounge, grill at the picnic table. As the sun drops and the air cools, walk 30 steps to the Nordic cedar sauna. Run it to 160°F. Plunge back into the lake. Repeat until dinner. There is no better way to spend a day in northeastern Illinois.
The sandy beach is the most-requested amenity at PLR during June, July, and August. Check your dates now before they're gone.
