Petite Lake Resort · Petite Lake · Antioch, IL · Lake County, Illinois
Petite Lake · Chain O' Lakes · Lake County, IL · Antioch, IL 60002
50 miles from Chicago · 45 min from O'Hare · 65 min from Milwaukee · Fox River Chain of Lakes
The Chain O' Lakes is a connected system of 15 lakes and rivers spanning the northern tip of Lake County, IL and into Wisconsin. Fed by the Fox River, the Chain covers roughly 7,000 acres of navigable water, one of the largest inland water recreation systems in the Midwest. The lakes range from quiet, residential shores to busy summer hubs, connected by channels and the Fox River proper.
Petite Lake is one of its signature stops: smaller, calmer, and home to Petite Lake Resort, a lakefront property that's been hosting guests since before the Chain O' Lakes was a household name in Chicago. From Petite Lake, guests can access the full chain by water: north to Grass Lake, south through Fox Lake and the Fox River channel to Pistakee Lake, and beyond.
The Chain O' Lakes State Park adds another dimension, over 6,000 acres of protected land surrounding the water, with hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing just minutes from the resort. It's an ecosystem as much as a destination, and Petite Lake Resort puts you right at its center.
The Chain O' Lakes has dozens of shoreline properties and a handful of resorts. Only one has a private concrete boat launch, a 6-person Nordic cedar sauna, and a groomed sandy beach, all included in your stay.
Access the entire Chain O' Lakes system from your own dock. Bring your boat, the concrete launch handles vessels up to 24 ft, or rent a tritoon through our OTCRentals partner. Trailer parking included with every stay. No marina fees, no waiting in line.
A groomed sandy beach with swim buoys, loungers, and picnic tables right at the water. Kayaks and paddle boards are complimentary for all guests, grab one and paddle out to the open chain before breakfast. No marina fees, no waiting.
A 6-person Nordic cedar sauna on the western Chain O' Lakes. Finnish-style construction with a lake-view window, heat to 160°F, then step straight into Petite Lake. Available year-round. Wellness on the water, included with your stay.
From the PLR dock on Petite Lake, the entire Chain O' Lakes is your backyard. Head north by water and you're in Grass Lake within minutes, one of the Chain's widest open stretches and a favorite anchorage for a mid-morning swim. Continue north and you cross into Bluff Lake and the quieter upper reaches of the system.
Head south and the Fox River channel connects you to Fox Lake proper, the Chain's social hub, restaurants with boat-up docks, waterfront bars, and Blarney Island, the legendary outdoor bar that's been a summer institution on the Chain for decades. From Fox Lake, the Fox River continues south to Pistakee Lake and beyond, with the Chain O' Lakes State Park shoreline running alongside.
Don't have a boat? OTCRentals.com operates a tritoon rental service accessible from the Chain, ask PLR staff for the latest booking link and seasonal availability. A half-day tritoon rental lets your whole group explore the full system without towing anything from home.
Fishing the Chain is a year-round pursuit, bass, walleye, crappie, and northern pike are all present. In winter, the frozen lakes draw ice fishermen from across the region. PLR can point you toward the current hot spots and the closest bait shop.
The Chain O' Lakes has a small handful of destination resorts. Here's the lay of the land, and where PLR fits in.
Location: Petite Lake, Antioch, IL
What sets it apart: Private boat launch, Nordic cedar sauna, sandy beach, dog-friendly. The only resort on the western Chain with all three. 5 lakefront units sleeping 2–33 guests.
Location: Antioch, IL
What to know: Marina and boat rental hub on the Chain O' Lakes. A good base if you're focused on boating and don't need a private beach or sauna. Marina services and boat slips available.
Location: Grass Lake, IL (Spring Grove)
What to know: A secluded retreat on the quiet side of the Chain. 2 private lakefront vacation homes on 8 acres with 350ft of shoreline. Features a private cedar barrel sauna, boat slips, and a digital detox focus. Ideal for quiet, unplugged getaways.
PLR is the only resort on the Chain that combines private boat launch access, a Nordic cedar sauna, a groomed sandy beach, and multiple rental home units under one booking. For guests who want the full lakefront rental home experience, not just a room near the water, there's no comparable option on the Chain.
Every guest, regardless of which unit they book, gets full access to the entire resort amenity suite on the Chain O' Lakes.
Concrete launch handles boats to 24 ft. Full Chain O' Lakes access. Trailer parking included.
Groomed sand, swim buoys, loungers, chairs, picnic tables, and rinse shower at the water.
6-person Nordic cedar sauna with lake view. Hot/cold therapy at 160°F, year-round. Finnish-style construction on the western Chain.
Complimentary for all guests, grab one and explore the Chain O' Lakes. No rental fee.
Fire pits stocked and ready. S'mores, sunset, stars, every night of your stay.
Well-behaved dogs of all sizes welcome with prior notice. Lake swimming and pet trails nearby in Antioch.
Private boat launch, Nordic cedar sauna, sandy beach, all on Petite Lake, Antioch IL. Check availability for your dates.
