Tower Lakes: Local History and Nature

Tower Lakes offers visitors a variety of points of interest: local history, nature, and areas managed by the community. Historical topics include the early subdivision of the land and the development of a summer home resort; there is also a nature preserve and a footpath through the woods. Access to the lakes, beach, boat docks, and association events is regulated. If you want to include these areas in your stay, plan for the access requirements.

Development as a Summer Home Resort

Tower Lakes was first subdivided for development in 1924. Tower Lake Park was developed as a summer home resort by damming Mud Creek, thereby creating a lake. The park had a 68-foot-high steel tower from which the Fox River could be seen. Swimming was also part of the historic outdoor lifestyle associated with Tower Lakes Estates. Together, these details offer insight into different aspects of the area's development: subdivision, changes to the landscape, and recreation.

Community Areas and Access Rules

Tower Lakes' lakes, islands, beach, and boat docks are owned and maintained by the Tower Lakes Improvement Association (TLIA). Access to TLIA facilities, outdoor areas, and events is governed by a clear rule: access is limited to TLIA members and members of the Recreational Family Pass Program (RFPP) in good standing, and their guests. Residents of neighboring communities can obtain access through an annual RFPP pass. If a beach visit, use of a boat dock, or a TLIA event is part of your plans, check the access requirements against your plans in advance. People of all ages use the beach during the summer months; the same access requirements apply there.

Nature Preserve and Walking Trail

Tower Lakes Fen is a nature preserve in Tower Lakes and covers 10.0 acres. This area figure gives a concrete sense of scale alongside its protected-area status. The footpath in the Tower Lakes Nature Preserve offers another way to enjoy nature, allowing for a peaceful walk through the woods. Trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit. These details are relevant to different aspects of planning: for the Fen, the focus is its protected-area status and size; for the Nature Preserve, it is the footpath and the opportunity to take a walk. This is equivalent to about 4.0 hectares.

Events and Trip Planning

Tower Lakes has a multi-day Fourth of July celebration organized by a homeowners association. Access restrictions apply to these association events; confirm your eligibility to attend before including the celebration in your plans. What you need to check therefore depends on your plans: for the celebration, it is the access requirements; for a woodland walk, it is the condition of the footpath.

Discover more destinations: Lake Bluff, Vernon Hills, Riverwoods, Mundelein, Zion, Deer Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire

Return to the main travel overview: Lake.