Chain O’Lakes State Park – FREE state-owned boat ramps (multiple launch sites)
Maple Grove Boat Launch Ramp – Four-lane concrete ramp with docks and massive paved parking, located mid-lake on west side off Fox Chain-O-Lakes State Park Road
Port O’ Blarney Marina – One of the best launch ramps on the system with over 40 feet of gentle slope into deep no-wake channel (27843 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, IL)
Eight launch ramps total on southwest and east sides of the lake
Several additional ramps north on the Fox River
Marinas:
Port O’ Blarney Marina – 84 private seasonal slips plus 18 public slips for restaurant parking, located on Ackerman Channel (deep no-wake channel). Features on-site gas, ice, easy trailer parking. Address: 27843 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, IL 60002 (847) 395-4122
Steitz’s Restaurant & Marina – 25400 W. Bluff Lane, Antioch, IL 60002 (847) 395-4050
Turtle Beach Marina – 42273 N. Woodbine Ave, Antioch, IL 60002 (847) 833-5571
Access Points:
Equipment Rentals:
boats, pontoons, jet skis, etc.
Lake Details
Historical Information
Formation: Created by Wisconsin glacier melting thousands of years ago
1890s Tourism Boom: Famous for dense Egyptian Lotus beds that attracted Chicago tourists who took train lines to view the spectacular yellow flower displays
Lotus Legacy: In late 19th/early 20th century, lotus beds covered over half of all lotus in the entire Chain O’Lakes. Some boats had to use poles instead of oars due to dense lotus and shallow water
Blarney Island Origins: Started as rival lotus tour businesses between Jack O’Connor and Shorty Shobin. Legend says O’Connor won Shorty’s business in a poker game, leading to the creation of Blarney Island
Chain Entry Point: First lake in the Fox Chain O’Lakes system as Fox River flows south from Wisconsin border
Notable Features & Landmarks
Blarney Island – World-famous bar built on pilings in the middle of Grass Lake, recognized as “The Greatest Boating Bar in the World.” Only accessible by boat or shuttle service. Features Thursday night drag-boat races (Memorial Day to Labor Day), live music, and Caribbean theme. Known as “Key West of the Midwest”
American Lotus Beds – Remnants of the historic Egyptian Lotus beds still visible along western shore beyond Grass Lake Road Bridge
Crabapple Island – Historic fishing and recreational area
Fox River Entry/Exit Points – Where Fox River flows into and connects Grass Lake to the rest of the Chain
Chain O’Lakes State Park Border – State park borders Grass Lake along with Lake Marie and Nippersink
