County Lake

Boone County, Illinois

Boone Lake, or County Lake, is a 12-acre lake in Poplar Grove, Illinois, northeast of Rockford. The lake is part of the Boone Lake Campground.

It is 11 minutes from Javon Bea Hospital and 30 minutes from the Chicago Rockford International Airport. There is an ALDI nearby, as well as several public schools within 10 minutes.

Activities on the Lake

Stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and black crappie, locals applaud the fishing opportunities Boone Lake has to offer. Though the lake is small, boats below 10 horsepower are allowed.

The Boone Lake Campground provides a unique experience for an avid sportsperson. For a minuscule price, visitors have access to archery, gun, and trap ranges. There are also campsites on both sides of the lake.

Nearby Outdoors

The Rock Cut State Park is not far from the lake and includes 3,092 acres and two lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also offers several miles of trails for cross-country skiing. Part of the park is open for deer and turkey hunting when in season.

Dining Highlights

At Bravo’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, customers can order authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is praised for excellent service and delicious entrees.

Next door to Bravo’s is the Hydeout Bar and Grill, whose Bloody Marys are the locals’ drink of choice. Hydeout hosts themed nights as well as bingo and karaoke on occasion.

Explore Rockford

The nearby city of Rockford is the second-largest city of Illinois, following the city of Chicago.

Rockford is home to Six-Flags Hurricane Harbor, which hosts the Tidal Wave, the Midwest’s first and only tailspin waterslide. Hurricane Harbor is also home to the Double Dare Drop, a seven-story waterslide, and the Tsunami Bay, a large wave pool.

Curious visitors can go to the Burpee Museum of Natural History, which has an internationally known paleontology department and champions the best-preserved juvenile T-Rex fossil in the world.

Shoppers in Rockford can find a unique variety of shops including over 30 antique retailers and over a dozen weekend shows and flea markets.

Rockford foodies love to eat at Beef-A-Roo, which is known for its great burgers, shakes, and cheese friends. If you’re looking for something a little more ethnic, try The Norwegian, which offers a variety of Scandinavian food.

A Quiet Retreat for Those Seeking a Balance

Whether you’re a dedicated outdoor lover and are looking for a quiet retreat from city life without being too far away from the city itself, Boone Lake might be for you!