Fox Lake, population 9,178, is a rapidly growing resort town that serves as the recreational hub of the Chain O' Lakes region. The Chain O' Lakes region, a series of 15 lakes and the Fox River, offers more than 7,000 acres of water recreation within an hour of Chicago.

The lakes host summer water sports of all kinds from swimming to skiing to all varieties of boating. Marinas rimming the lakes provide rentals of pontoon, fishing boats, personal watercraft, canoes and kayaks. Sailboating is also popular. An abundance of fish species, bass, blue gill, channel catfish, carp, muskie, northern pike and walleye make the lakes fishing destinations year round. Areas around the lakes are open for deer and waterfowl hunting.

Nearby Chain O' Lakes State Park offers camping and cabin and tent rentals. The park also offers an equestrian trail and horse rental, as well as cross-country skiing, biking and hiking trails. In winter, ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling are permitted on the lakes.

Fox Lake is 55 miles northwest of Chicago and 80 miles east of Rockford. It is accessible via U.S. Highway12. Lodging options include cabins, resorts, hotels, and campgrounds.