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Druce Lake, located north of Chicago, is one of those secret locations that blends life in the big city with outdoor amenities. Small Druce Lake, named after Alexander Druce, who came from New York state to purchase property in 1844, was originally called Second Lake. Adjacent to Third Lake, Druce Lake is within the Village of Third Lake and provides water recreation and fun to residents and invited guests throughout the four seasons. Not quite a part of the Fox River Chain of Lakes, the surrounding area is liberally sprinkled with glacial pothole lakes and accompanying wetlands.
This inviting water wonderland, less than 50 miles from Chicago, became popular as a resort area early in the 1800s. Once the railroad passed nearby, resort hotels and amusements were built on nearly every lake in the area. As late as 1940, Druce Lake supported an Association Camp that apparently shared space between private cottages and church-operated facilities. The resorts and camps are gone now and in their stead are year-round homes, condos and summer cottages. The railroad has become the Metra, part of northern Illinois' excellent mass transit system that serves the Chicago area. Convenient travel makes Druce Lake an ideal bedroom community for Chicago's North Side.
The shoreline along Druce Lake is nearly all residential property. There are no public access locations on the lake but off-shore residents may obtain keys to the village boat docks and swimming beach from the Village Office. Lack of public access has kept Druce Lake from becoming overcrowded and commercialized. Gasoline motors are not allowed on the lake and boat permits must be obtained from the Village also. Such restrictions protect the remaining natural vegetation along the shore and prevent unnecessary erosion from the wake of power boating. The no-wake speed limits assure Druce Lake will remain a quiet venue for canoeing, kayaking and rowing. The weary commuter can expect to enjoy the sunset from his deck in perfect tranquility.
Fishing on Druce Lake is excellent. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources fish survey shows that largemouth bass and bluegill are the most common species in the lake. As both are favored prey of the casual fisherman, Druce Lake is an ideal spot to teach children to fish, or simply enjoy the flora and fauna around a Midwest natural lake. Black crappie and northern pike are also caught. Ice fishing takes over when the lake freezes and provides endless hours of fishing fun for hardy souls. A narrow channel connects Druce Lake to Third Lake just across the narrow peninsula -- both lakes can be accessed from the Village dock. As usual, anglers should check the Illinois Fish Consumption Advisories if they plan on eating many meals of locally-caught fish.
In spite of the peaceful atmosphere surrounding Druce Lake, the area is neither isolated nor difficult to access. Only eight miles west of Gurnee, modern shopping and services may be found a short distance away. Many visitors come to enjoy the specialty shops at Gurnee Mills Mall. Six Flags Great America Amusement Park still possesses some of the world's best and fastest roller coasters. There is no shortage of local restaurants and shopping along US highway 45 and nearby Greyslake provides nearly all of the services one might desire, including hotel and motel accommodations, movie theatres, hair stylists, skate parks, playgrounds and video game facilities.
Those wishing for more nature activities can make the short trip to Rollins Savannah Forest Preserve. The largest preserve in Lake County, Rollins Savannah encompasses 1,216 unbroken acres of trails, woodlands and wetlands on the north and west of Third Lake. Teeming with wildlife and wildflowers of riotous colors, 5.5 miles of trails, bridges and boardwalks encircle the site. The multi-use trail is open for hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and nature observation. Birding is a popular pastime here as the wetlands provide excellent habitat for ruddy ducks, blue-winged teal, great blue herons, egrets and a variety of waterfowl species. In winter, snowmobile trails can be accessed from the preserve.
One of the must-see locations near Druce Lake is the New Gracanica Monastery and Church just north of the lake. The Serbian Orthodox Church is a scaled-up replica of the original Gracanica in Kosovo. The original church is listed on the UNESCO World heritage List as an endangered example of medieval monuments. Built 18 percent larger than the original, the entire inside of the structure is decorated in traditional iconic fresco painting by Polish-American artist Fr. Theodore Jurewicz. The spectacular artworks in Byzantine style cover walls, pillars, dome and vaults of the church, while ornate carved doors depict 23 monasteries and churches in areas of Serbia. This is an operational congregation so those wishing to visit should contact the office to find out the particulars, or visit during one of the festivals that are open to the public.
Visitors to Druce Lake can find vacation rentals and other lodgings both at Druce Lake and the surrounding lakes. There is no longer a public campground on the shore but tent and RV accommodations are available at other nearby lakes. Sometimes private rentals are available by the week or the season and real estate is often available with both lake frontage and lake views. It's a comfortable train ride from here down to the Loop, making Druce Lake the perfect location to become a resident Lake Lubber. Come check out Druce Lake. You won't be disappointed!
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