More About Fox Lake

Insuring Your Boat

Explore the Fox Valley!

Algonquin
Aurora
Batavia
Bolingbrook
Crystal Lake
Elgin
Elmhurst
Fox Lake
Geneva
Huntley
Naperville
North Aurora
Oswego
St. Charles
Sandwich
Sugar Grove
West Chicago
West Dundee
Yorkville

At the end of the last glacial period -- about 12,500 years ago, the great Wisconsin glaciers retreated, leaving behind in the Fox River Valley of Illinois a chain of lakes: Pistakee, Nippersink, Fox, Grass and Petite to name a few (there are nine).  During most of the year, the low and wet areas that were left behind allowed for little travel; except for a bit of hay and dairy farming, the area remained sparsely populated/settled until the end of the 19th century.  With rail access in the early years of the 20th century to a peninsula formed by three of the major Chain lakes, a place called Nippersink Point became the town of Fox Lake; the vacation trade exploded and numerous resorts -- large and small -- sprang up.  Vacationing Chicagoans came in droves to enjoy the water recreation, drinking and gambling that had established themselves in the area.

Shortly after World War Two, summer cabins were turned into permanent residences; affordable housing in a resort setting -- along with the paving of US Route 12 -- allowed the population of Fox Lake to grow.  Fox Lake today is one of the busiest water recreation vacation destinations in the United States.  Even so, the older summer cottages and smaller resorts are being replaced by year 'round residences. Increasing numbers now recognize that Fox Lake is a great place to live and to raise a family.  Downtown revitalization is taking place and the growing suburb's population is redefining the “The Heart of the Chain O’Lakes”.  Quality schools, government, businesses and shopping provide a truly unique environment... all year long!