Northlake(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In North Lake, Illinois, the top choice for families is Lakeview Resort Hotel, located directly on the shores of North Lake. It offers spacious suites with kitchens, private beach access, and dedicated children’s play areas. The property hosts daily outdoor activities like nature scavenger hunts and fishing workshops. Its peaceful lakeside setting, combined with excellent safety measures and pet-friendly policies, makes it ideal for multi-generational trips. Guests also enjoy scenic sunset views from the rooftop deck, perfect for family memories.

The most scenic hotel stays in North Lake are found in the Lakeside District, where properties overlook the tranquil waters of North Lake. This area features boutique lodges and private cabins nestled among mature trees, offering panoramic lake views and direct access to walking trails. Many hotels here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private decks, and morning coffee terraces. The district’s low-light environment enhances stargazing opportunities, making it a favorite among couples and solo travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty.

Must-try cultural experiences in North Lake include the Summer Lakeside Art Fair, an annual event showcasing local artisans, painters, and sculptors with deep roots in Midwestern craftsmanship. Visit the North Lake Historical Museum to explore exhibits on 19th-century logging communities and early lake settlement. Don’t miss the Maple Festival held each fall, featuring maple syrup making demonstrations, live folk music, and traditional crafts. These events reflect the town’s strong connection to heritage, sustainability, and community spirit.

While North Lake itself has no natural hot springs, the St. Claude Spa Resort, located just 45 minutes away, offers a luxurious alternative. This eco-resort features geothermal pools, forest meditation rooms, and wellness retreats. Its Lakeside Suites come with private soaking tubs and glass walls facing the river. The resort also hosts regular aromatherapy workshops and yoga retreats, blending relaxation with nature immersion. Advance HopeGoo is strongly recommended due to high demand, especially during peak seasons.

For couples seeking romance, the Moonlight Lakeside Cottage is a standout option in North Lake. This glass-walled cabin sits secluded in the woods, featuring a private hot tub, panoramic lake views, and a cozy fireplace. The cottage includes a curated welcome kit with local wine, chocolates, and a handwritten love note. On-site services include candlelit dinners and guided evening walks along the shore. Ideal for anniversaries or quiet escapes, this intimate retreat offers privacy and poetic ambiance under the stars.

In winter, North Lake shines with unique activities like snowshoeing across the frozen lake surface, guided by local rangers through snowy forests. The Winter Haven Lodge offers ice igloo accommodations, complete with heated interiors and views of frost-laced trees. Every other year, the North Lake Ice Sculpture Festival draws artists from across the Midwest to create massive ice carvings illuminated at night. For tranquility, guests can book a wood-fired cabin with a view of snow-covered pines—perfect for reading or quiet reflection.

The standout eco-friendly hotel in North Lake is Green Source Eco Lodge, which runs entirely on solar power and uses rainwater harvesting systems. The building incorporates reclaimed wood and organic textiles, while all guest rooms feature energy-efficient lighting and compostable toiletries. The lodge organizes weekly wetland tours and birdwatching excursions, promoting environmental awareness. Guests can participate in the Tree Planting Initiative, where each stay contributes to reforestation. Its commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with North Lake's green values.

Visitors to North Lake should try North Lake Grilled Trout, a signature dish made with fresh lake-caught trout, seasoned with herbs and grilled over mesquite. Another highlight is the Lakeside Farm Market, open every Saturday, where you can buy artisanal cheeses, raw honey, and sourdough bread. At Lakeside Brew Co., sample house-made blueberry cider and oak-aged craft beer paired with homemade scones. These dishes celebrate the region’s farm-to-table ethos and seasonal bounty.

Photographers will love staying at Light & Shadow Loft, a high-end loft in the Lakeside District with 360-degree unobstructed views of North Lake. The space features a skylight platform perfect for astrophotography and sunrise shots. The hotel provides complimentary tripods and hosts monthly lake reflection photography workshops. Nearby wetlands and ancient oaks offer rich textures and natural framing. The top-floor suite, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, delivers unparalleled light control and compositional flexibility for capturing North Lake’s seasonal transformations.

North Lake is highly accessible, located just 70 miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), with a drive time of about one hour. Major highways like Illinois Route 99 provide easy access, and many hotels offer free shuttle services. The town’s public bus system connects key attractions, including the lakefront and downtown. Biking paths and rental stations are available throughout the area, supporting sustainable travel. Despite its rural charm, North Lake boasts reliable infrastructure, making it convenient for both road-trippers and those arriving by air.