12 Illinois Lakes Where You Can Cool Off This Weekend

The famous commercial says "wanna get away?". If that's the desire of your heart, there are 12 Illinois lakes that will give you the perfect chance to cool off and relax this weekend.

There are some things to consider before you head off for your Illinois lake trip. First, you will want to check the Illinois alert information for unsafe swimming conditions called Beach Guard. It's also a good idea to check the state's latest test levels for elevated amounts of bacteria. Ew.

I'm not your mama and don't want to be a nag, but having the right apparel for the trip along with sun and bug protection is vital. Don't forget the towels, chairs and also charge bricks for any electronic devices you'll be packing. What's a day at a lake in Illinois without a picture share to Instagram? Waterproof flashlights and first aid kits are also important.

The bottom line is Illinois has many lake options in all parts of the state. Doesn't matter if you're adventuring in the north, central or southern part of Illinois, a lake beckons you nearby.