Rent a lake house by the hour in Chicago, IL

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Chicago, IL, United States

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Popular lake houses

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing and popularity information in this section is based on proprietary Peerspace booking data, reflecting recent booking activity and the latest data available through February 2026.

How much does a lake house cost to rent in Chicago?

Lake houses in Chicago average $85 per hour to rent, but it’s easy to spend less or more depending on what you’re looking for. For a space on the smaller side, expect to spend closer to $166, whereas larger venues run about $245 per hour.

What's the best day to rent a lake house in Chicago?

Saturdays are the most popular day for booking lake houses in Chicago. For those seeking a deal, consider booking Friday and Monday as these days are 3% cheaper on average.

How popular are lake houses in Chicago?

Our local hosts have welcomed 4625 people into their lake houses with reviews averaging 4.88 stars. Most even said they would book again -- about 97%.

How long do people rent lake houses in Chicago?

Most lake houses are scheduled for 6 hours, with 10 people in attendance. You’ll find the most Lake Houses starting between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

Explore scenic lake house venues in Chicago

Lake houses provide a beautiful place to hold a small intimate wedding, family reunion, or birthday celebration. Guests have immediate access to the waterfront for boating, swimming, walking, and socializing. Not to mention nearby forest trails if the venue is suburban or rural - or cafes, restaurants, and bars in an urban setting. Chicagoans are lucky enough to have both of these options to choose from; you can find a lake house venue in the heart of downtown as well as on the very edges of Chicagoland.

Intimate lake house venues near Chicago

For an intimate experience in a lake house we recommend moving away from the urban core of Chicago. Lake houses are scattered throughout Chicagoland as well as in rural towns a couple hours drive from the city. For a quiet rustic wedding places like Lake Ellyn Boathouse in Glen Ellyn, IL, offer a nice balance of affordability and beauty. The venue is set far enough away from downtown so you're not surrounded by traffic and tall buildings. Yet not too far of a drive to be inconvenient. Boat and lake houses are easy to decorate as well to fit any aesthetic. The stone and woodwork are ideally suited to rustic events, however. Mason jars, cut flowers, and other natural decor choices are the perfect match to a woodsy lake house in Chicago.

Beautiful lake house event spaces in Chicago

If you want more of a downtown atmosphere consider moving from the lakeshore to one of Chicago's canals. Venues like the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Chicago have pavilions, seating areas, and direct access to the downtown riverwalk. In the summertime, cool breezes, glittering city lights, and skyscrapers provide the perfect backdrop for an urban event. For a more expansive atmosphere we recommend venues with large outdoor settings like Theater on the Lake. Located North Lake Shore Dr, this venue offers space for up to 1,500 people. Theater on the Lake has one of the best southern skyline views in the area with direct access to Lake Michigan's shoreline. There are few better places to hold a stunning lakeside wedding or other private event. Depending on the event you may want a private lake house venue in Chicago. Public lake houses will have too many folks milling about to feel like a truly special event. Especially in city parks that are popular on evenings and weekends. Make your lake house a private event rental to ensure the space is your own for the duration of the event!

Find lake houses near Chicago, IL

Updated February 19, 2026Our data is refreshed in real time using booking trends, verified guest reviews, and direct partner updates — with additional quality checks from our team.