Re: New boater i Chicago...where should I go?
Yes, there are lots of kids having fun, but this is a series of lakes and the area is huge. The squirtgun/watergun wars that go on in the canals connecting these lakes have been historically epic and part of its reputation. But if you want to get away and be alone and learn your boat, there is lots of space for that. In addition there are many ramps both public and private so access onto the lake can be quite easy. Nothing worse than learning to launch your boat with a bunch of people in line behind you tapping their fingers on the hoods of their trucks. Do not try Lake Geneva. No ramps, no parking, and tons of boats. But some of the cleanest water I have ever seen on an inland lake with the amount of boat traffic. Great lake, but too many people and not enough access.
Green lake would be worse in my opinion for the reasons you outlined. This is a very popular lake and because it is one big lake, the wave action and noise can be bothersome.
Other suggestions would be lake Winnebego. heck, even the Mississippi River can be quite quiet and peaceful. Roscoes suggestion of Buelea (sp?) is good. There is a nice lake in Kewauskum connected to the state park but the name escapes me. There is a very small lake called pigeon lake in Manitowoc County with water as clean as Geneva, that is just beautiful but it has no services, and is really small. But if you want to get the feel for your boat and learn to launch, anchor, swim, fish, figure out your comfort level with your boat you will have little traffic to interfere. Another place would be lake Koshkonon just north of Janesville, but again it is shallow, murky, but has full services and is connected to the rock river for some diversity.
Hey why not attend the unofficial I-boats get together at lake Petenwell. Lots of good folks going to be there. Roscoe is the ring leader on this outing.
