Illinois Warning or Danger Tips by deecat

I don't want to discourage you from visiting all the wonderful outdoor opportunities in Illinois; however, I do want to be honest and warn you of:
a. In Southern Illinois there are many high bluffs and cliffs without fences or barriers. Take great care, especially if it's been raining.
b. Weather conditions change quickly in Illinois so be prepared.
c. Flash flooding may occur in canyon areas.
d. Extreme heat in summer, especially in the southern part of the state so beware of exhaustion and heat stroke.
e. Do not drink water from lakes, ponds, streams, & rivers, even if the water looks crystal clear.
f. When in unfamiliar territory, let someone know where you are going & when you plan to return.
g. Poison ivy is found in abundance in Southern Illinois. (3 leaves & red-looking stems)
h. Beware of ticks because they can cause Lyme Disease.
i. Beware of Chiggers (harvest mites)
They attach themselves to the opening of a hair shaft and inject saliva into the skin and feed for several days to obtain needed protein.
j. Mosquitoes all over Illinois, especially when it has been a rainy season.
k. Venomous snakes in southern part of state:
(1) Timber rattlesnake (yellow body with black V-shaped markings)
(2) Copperhead (bronze body & copper-colored head)
(3) Cottonmouth, an aquatic species. (black body with cotton-like white inside its mouth)
Note: When you see any snake, simply walk away. Do not try to kill it; that is how 75% of bites occur.
Remember, it's the plants & animals turf, not yours. Respect their homes.

Leave a Comment

The Chain-O-Lakes are located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago and just south of the Illinois/Wisconsin Border in Lake and McHenry Counties of Illinois. We just always call these lakes The Chain. This network of lakes consists of 9 major lake basins, which makes it the largest inland recreational water area in all of northeastern Illinois. They are connected by a series of channels, so you can travel from lake to lake. There is boating, water skiing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, power skiing, camping, and picnicking.
The danger comes usually on weekends when the boaters mix alcohol and driving the boat. There have been quite a few accidents, and some of them have been fatal. After a "rash" of such accidents, they finally starting "cracking down" on the excessive drinking.
Besides the drinking as a danger, the congestion is also a danger. There are all kinds of boats, and some of them are driven by very inexperienced drivers. I personally do not like to be on the lakes on the weekends in the summer. It is no fun to have to literally dodge other boats.
Some Lakes are less crowded than others.
Here are the Lakes in the northern section of the Chain (entirely in Lake County):
Bluff Lake, Channel Lake, Grass Lake, Lake Catherine, & Lake Marie
Here are the Lakes in the southern section of the Chain (located in both Lake & McHenry Counties):
Fox Lake with Nippersink Lake, Petite Lake, Pistakee Lake
There is also a Chain O Lakes State Park located in the heart of these natural lakes. The 2500 acre park is adjoined by a 3,000 acre conservation area; both are located in the northeastern corner of Illinois in both McHenry & Lake counties.
While in the park, remember to:
"Take only memories, leave only footprints"!

Leave a Comment

Phone: Park: 847 587-5512