1600s
French explorers
The French explored the area during the 17th century.
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois
Living in Fox Lake, Illinois
A lake village on the Chain O’Lakes, about 45 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop, at the end of the Metra line.
01 — At a Glance
A lake village on the Chain O’Lakes.
Fox Lake sits among the Chain O’Lakes, where swimming, boating and tubing fill the summer. It was known as Nippersink Point in the late 1800s and was incorporated on December 15, 1906, with state certification on April 13, 1907. The 2020 census counted 10,978 residents. Fox Lake station is the end of Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line.
02 — History
The story of Fox Lake.
Fox Lake has been a summer escape for Chicagoans for more than a century. A few chapters.
Late 1800s
Nippersink Point
The area was known as Nippersink Point.
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois
1906–1907
The village
Fox Lake was incorporated on December 15, 1906, and certified by the state on April 13, 1907.
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois
Early 1900s
Summer season
A few hundred year-round residents grew to an estimated 20,000 each summer, with 50 hotels and 2,000 cottages at the peak.
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois
03 — Education
A tradition of learning.
Fox Lake is served by elementary districts in and around the village and by Grant Community High School.
Boundaries follow the address. Confirm school assignment for each address with the district before you buy.
Search HomesPublic · K–8
Elementary districts
Schools in and near the village.
- Fox Lake Grade School District 114
- Stanton Middle School
- Gavin Elementary
- Big Hollow Elementary (District 38)
Public · 9–12
Grant Community High School
The high school serving Fox Lake.
- Grant Community High School
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois
04 — Lifestyle
Everyday life in Fox Lake.
Life in Fox Lake follows the water. In 2006 an estimated 28,000 boats were registered on the lake system.
On the Water
Boating
Swimming, boating, jet skiing, tubing and boarding on the Chain O’Lakes.
Summer Homes
Many Chicagoans keep summer homes here.
The Mineola
A landmark that may be the largest wooden frame building in Illinois.
Getting Around
Metra
Fox Lake is the end of the Milwaukee District North Line.
Pace Routes 570 & 806
Buses to Crystal Lake, Grayslake and more.
Lake & McHenry Counties
The village spans two counties.
Source: Wikipedia: Fox Lake, Illinois