If you are like the vast majority, you don’t own a boat. But what do you do when you want to hit the open waters during the summer? Besides suck up to your neighbor/family member/minister with a boat? You rent one, of course! Lake County has lots of lakes, (94 lakes in fact!), which I’m gonna say is the reason why they named it Lake County to begin with. Just a hunch.
Five Places to Rent a Boat in Lake County
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
1. Barnacle Bob’s
42125 N. 4th Ave., Antioch | (847) 395-2036
Located on Lake Marie in Antioch, Barnacle Bob’s offers many rentals such as pontoon boats in many sizes as well as fishing boats. Rates depend on the size and type of boat. Call ahead to make reservations; rentals are for two hours minimum.
2. Chain o’ Lakes State Park
8916 Wilmot Rd., Spring Grove | (847) 587-7165
Located just outside of Lake County and west of Antioch, Chain o’ Lakes is a great resource for everything from boating to horseback riding. If you don’t own a boat, boat and canoe rentals are offered at the concession stand as well as boating safety gear, which is required within the state park. Call the number above (which is the direct line to the concession stand) for rate and rental questions.
3. Independence Grove not open for 2020 season
16400 Buckley Rd., Libertyville | (847) 968-3497
Independence Grove offers a little of everything, which is a great thing when you have children of all ages and interests. With a great lake for swimming, a huge playground, walking trails with bike rentals to boating, this place is the place to be this summer. Boat rentals range from fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and stand up paddleboards. Rates vary, so call the number above for any questions you have ahead of time.
4. Jett Fun Rentals
109 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake | (847) 587-4386
Jett Fun offers rentals of jet skis and wave runners in addition to pontoon boats, speed boats, fishing boats, and deck boats. Rentals can be for a half hour, hourly or daily and rates start at $25/hour for fishing boats and run upwards of $480 for a full day on a pontoon (get your family or neighbors together to split the cost!).
5. Spring Lake Marina
25125 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch | (847) 395-6440
Located in Antioch on Spring Lake, which is part of the Chain o’ Lakes system, Spring Lake Marina offers a large selection of pontoon rentals as well as deck boat rentals. Spring Lake also offers water ski and tubing rentals and a seasonal RV park. It is recommended that you reserve your boat in advance, and the marina is closed every Monday except for those that fall on a major holiday.
Where do you like to go boating? And if you own a boat, tell me where I need to be with my giant dolphin floatie!
By Kari
Round Lake
Kari loves to write and take photos, not necessarily in that order. Kari loves making people laugh, being real, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also really loves her dog Buddy and fish Lucy. When she is not busy writing or going through the Starbucks drive-thru, you can find her talking to her plants Zoe, Evie, and Albert. She didn’t name Evie. Her nine-year-old did. But she’s totally an Edna so that’s what Kari calls her when her nine-year-old isn’t home.
Leave a Reply