Your local guide from the team at Petite Lake Resort · Lake County IL
Antioch, IL 60002 · Lake County · Chain O' Lakes
45 min from Chicago O'Hare · 65 min from Milwaukee · 20 min from Waukegan
Antioch sits at the northern gateway to the Chain O' Lakes, Illinois's most iconic inland water recreation system. Whether you're here to fish for walleye at dawn, pontoon to Blarney Island, or kayak through quiet backchannels, the Chain delivers it all in one connected network.
Navigate from Petite Lake into Bluff Lake, Pistakee Lake, Grass Lake, and beyond. Over 7,000 acres of open water connected by the Fox River, the Midwest's best inland boating.
Petite Lake and the broader Chain are stocked with walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. Spring and fall walleye runs are legendary among local anglers.
PLR provides complimentary kayaks and paddle boards for all guests. Explore the Chain's quiet coves and marshy channels at your own pace, no rental fees required.
PLR's private sandy beach has a designated swim area with buoys and beach loungers. Tube rental services are available through local vendors in Antioch and Fox Lake.
Don't have your own boat? Our partner OTCRentals.com offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals on the Chain O' Lakes. Launch directly from PLR's private ramp, no transport needed.
Antioch is one of Lake County's most charming small towns. Main Street is lined with local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques, all within a short drive from PLR. The town has retained its character through decades of Chain O' Lakes tourism without becoming overly commercial.
A diverse stretch of local restaurants, sports bars, and casual American dining. Multiple spots with outdoor seating, perfect for a post-lake dinner. Check current hours as restaurants rotate seasonally.
The historic Antioch Theatre on Main Street shows first-run films and hosts special events. A classic small-town movie house that's been serving the community since the mid-20th century.
Browse local gift shops, antiques, and specialty stores along Main Street. Antioch's downtown is walkable and compact, easy to explore in an hour before or after time on the water.
Start your lake day with breakfast from one of Antioch's local cafes. Several spots open early to cater to anglers, boaters, and weekend visitors making an early start.
Antioch's central Lake County location puts a remarkable range of day-trip options within easy reach, from iconic waterfront bars to major theme parks.
The most famous boat-access bar on the Chain O' Lakes. Blarney Island draws boaters from across the chain for live music, cold drinks, and a festive waterfront atmosphere. Accessible only by water, tie up at their dock.
One of the Midwest's largest outlet malls, with 200+ stores including outlet shopping for major brands. A rainy-day option or quick shopping run, 20 minutes south of Antioch in Gurnee.
Illinois's premier theme and water park, over 50 rides and attractions in Gurnee, IL. A natural add-on for families staying at PLR, especially for a one-night stopover en route to or from Chicago.
Illinois's only remaining lakefront dunes on Lake Michigan in Zion, IL. Miles of protected shoreline, hiking trails, and a unique sand dune ecosystem, a striking contrast to the Chain O' Lakes experience.
For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, Antioch and the surrounding area offer everything you need to make the most of a Chain O' Lakes fishing trip.
Fishing licenses are available online through the Illinois DNR website or at local bait shops and sporting goods stores in Antioch and Fox Lake. Annual and short-term licenses available.
Local bait shops in Antioch and Fox Lake carry live bait, tackle, ice, and local fishing knowledge. Ask for current Chain O' Lakes hotspots, local shop owners fish these waters daily and know what's biting.
The state park encompasses over 2,700 acres along the Fox River Chain with hiking and biking trails open year-round. Dog-friendly trails through prairie, woodland, and lakefront habitats. Perfect morning walk before hitting the water.
The Chain O' Lakes area hosts exceptional bird watching. In spring, loons and pelicans return to the Chain O' Lakes, joining herons, egrets, and waterfowl in one of the Midwest's best freshwater birding corridors. The Fox River wetlands are an important stopover on the Mississippi Flyway.
Local partner Charters on the Chain offers guided pontoon fishing tours on the Chain O' Lakes system. Additional guided fishing outfitters operate in the Antioch area, ask us for current recommendations when you arrive.
There's no better home base for exploring Antioch and the Chain O' Lakes than a rental home on the water. Petite Lake Resort sits directly on Petite Lake with private beach, boat launch, 6-person Nordic cedar sauna, fire pit, kayaks, and dock access included with every stay.
Wake up to lake views. Launch your kayak before breakfast. Fish the morning bite from your own dock. Pontoon to Blarney Island for lunch. Hike the state park trails with your dog. Sauna at sunset. That's a full Lake County day, and it starts at PLR.
Book your lakefront rental home at Petite Lake Resort, Antioch's waterfront home base on the Chain O' Lakes. Available year-round.
