Most Chicago trips start the same way: you open a hotel site, look at the downtown options, and start rethinking the whole plan. There is another way. Sleep in Fox Lake, ride the train into the city when you want to, and come back to a place where it is actually quiet.
Here is what makes Fox Lake Motel work for that.
1. The train station is a short walk away
Fox Lake Motel sits at 25 S US Highway 12, a short walk from the Fox Lake Metra station, the last stop on the Milwaukee District North line. You don’t drive in city traffic, you don’t circle blocks looking for parking, and you don’t need a garage. You walk to the station, buy your ticket, and ride a direct train to Union Station in about an hour and a half.
That ride is part of the trip. You sit back, watch the suburbs turn into the skyline, and step off in the middle of the city. On weekends, Metra also offers day passes that are made for exactly this kind of trip. Check current fares on metra.com and buy your ticket in the Ventra app.
2. The lake is right across the road
Ask most people what they want after a long day of sightseeing and the answer is not another crowded street. It’s water and quiet.
At Fox Lake Motel, the lake and the boat launch are just across the road. Walk down to the shore, bring a fishing rod, launch a boat, or sit and watch the light change. You get the feel of a lake weekend without needing a cabin or a car.
3. A quiet place to come back to
Downtown Chicago is exciting, and it is also loud, busy, and tiring. Fox Lake Motel is set in a peaceful, historic part of Illinois, so when you return from the city you actually get to rest. Lounge by the lake or stay near your room. That kind of calm is hard to find in the middle of a big-city hotel district.
4. A room that fits your trip
Not every trip is the same, and the motel’s rooms reflect that:
- Romantic getaway rooms for a quiet weekend for two
- Family rooms with space for everyone
- Jacuzzi suites if you want a little extra comfort
- Kitchenettes so you can cook a simple meal instead of eating out every time
- A barbecue area for grilling outdoors
5. Good food close by
You don’t need to go far to eat. Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse and Route 12 Bar & Grill are both nearby, so you can get a solid meal and a relaxed evening out after a day of exploring.
6. Two trips in one
The best part is that you don’t have to choose between the city and the lake.
A simple weekend could look like this: take a morning train to Chicago, spend the day at museums, on the Riverwalk, or wandering neighborhoods, and ride back in the evening. The next day, slow down. Walk to the lake, fish, take out a boat, and have dinner nearby. You get a city break and a lake getaway on one booking.
7. Fall is a great time to go
In autumn the trees along the water change color, the summer crowds are gone, and the whole area gets calmer. It is a good season for a slow weekend by the lake. And for big city events like the Chicago Marathon in October, you can enjoy the day in town and still sleep somewhere peaceful.
A quick tip before you go
Weekend trains run less often than weekday trains, so check the Metra timetable at metra.com and plan your return before you head into the city.
Ready to book?
If you want an easy base for Chicago and a lake weekend in the same trip, Fox Lake Motel is a great fit. Call (847) 587-8282 or visit foxlakemotel.com to check availability.
