Lake Holiday is a private community centered around the water
Among the many lake-centered communities within two hours of Chicago, Lake Holiday stands out for its rural atmosphere and private amenities. There's a feeling of exclusivity, with resident-only access to the marina and beaches, and a 24-hour security patrol. However, it's not a gated community, and although golf carts are allowed within the neighborhood, locals have to hop in the car to reach any city amenities. "It's a nice, quiet community where you can get away from the city," says Matthew Clifford, the facilities & operations manager with the Lake Holiday Property Owners' Association. According to him, many of the residents are young families and older couples.
Lake Holiday is at the center of the Lake Holiday neighborhood.
The Somonauk Public Library near Lake Holiday is a great place to grab a new book.
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A variety of home styles with a semi-rural feel
The Lake Holiday community began construction in the mid-1960s and steadily added homes until the early 2000s. There are a few properties from after 2010, and some open lots for custom building. With architecture that varies from midcentury ranch-style houses to spacious New Traditional designs, Lake Holiday feels more like a small-town neighborhood than a master-planned community. "Our streets are more wide-open than suburban," Clifford says. "It's kind of a joke around here that we don't have curbs — it keeps things a little rural." Off the water, prices range from $230,000 to $500,000 based on size. Properties with lakefront access typically go from $550,000 to $1 million. "Houses go fast here, especially when they are not on the lake," Clifford says.
To the east of Lake Holiday, the private subdivision of Wildwood is a 55-plus manufactured and mobile home community. Prices for homes range from $45,000 to $120,000. This community does not have access to Lake Holiday's amenities.
Residents of Lake Holiday enjoy having easy access to the water.
Lake Holiday residents appreciate the convenience of attached garages for their vehicles.
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Monthly dues support events like the Fourth of July festival
All Lake Holiday residents are part of the Lake Holiday Property Owners' Association, which has monthly dues. Residents who want to get more involved with the association can join a variety of planning committees or social clubs. The Fishing Club sponsors kids' fish tournaments, and the Ladies Club puts on craft fairs and house walking tours. In addition to fishing competitions and garage sales, the association plans a popular Fourth of July festival. "It's just a fantastic show, with the fireworks reflecting off the water," Clifford adds.
Fishing, swimming and jet skiing on a resident-only lake
Private green spaces in Lake Holiday offer wooded walking trails, a skate park and pickleball courts. But the main attraction is the lake, which is accessible at various parks and fishing spots around the community. Kids enjoy the zip-line at one of the sandy swimming beaches, and families can take a vacation without leaving the neighborhood at a private campground. In the summer, the lake is open to jet skis and stocked with fish. In the winter, locals continue to ice fish and can take snowmobiles out on the frozen surface. For those who don't have personal docks, the Lake Holiday Marina has boat slips for rent. “It's life on the beach," Clifford says. He says that his tagline for the community is: "Bring a towel."
Lake Holiday Marina can rent boats to locals and visitors for a day on the water.
Lake Holiday residents love to head out on the water to fish.
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Split between the Sandwich and Somonauk school districts
On the eastern side of Lake Holiday, kids are part of Sandwich Community Unit School District Number 430, which gets an overall B rating from Niche. The western side is served by Somonauk Community Unit School District Number 432, rated an overall B-plus. Somonauk schools have slightly higher ratings, but Sandwich schools have the offerings of a larger district, including their own football team.
James R Wood Elementary is a great place for Lake Holiday students to start their education.
Somonauk Middle School is right next to James R Wood Elementary.
Sandwich High School was founded in the year 1855.
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Homestyle diners and bars, with Walmart for shopping
Locals can take the boat to Lee'z Place Bar & Grill to dine on a waterfront patio. Lee'z serves classic pub food and hosts live bands that play late into the night. Less than 5 miles north, Somonauk has several homestyle diners, and Sandwich has some small city amenities. Sandwich is home to a small grocery store, a movie theater and Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital. By taking U.S. Route 34 towards Plano, residents can reach a Walmart, 7 miles away.
Shops along East Railroad St. in downtown Sandwich are under 5 miles for Lake Holiday locals.
Lake Holiday locals enjoy waterfront dining at Lee’z Place Bar & Grill.
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Two Interstates lead 65 miles into Chicago
Downtown Chicago is about 65 miles away, by connecting northeast to Interstate 88 or southeast to Interstate 55. The drive is typically an hour and a half, but it can be around two hours with traffic. Plano, less than 10 miles away, has an Amtrak stop that goes into the city. It's about 60 miles to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Plano Station offers Lake Holiday locals Amtrak service to Chicago’s Union Station.
Chicago's O’Hare International Airport is about 60 miles from Lake Holiday.
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The community is patrolled by a private security force
Lake Holiday has its own security force, which has 24-hour patrols. For emergencies, the community is served by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Department, not the nearby Sandwich or Somonauk police forces. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Patrick Johnson
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Tucked away on a private, wooded lot with serene creek access, this one-of-a-kind custom built log cabin feels like something straight out of a storybook. A true "Lincoln Log" home, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and everyday comfort. Step inside to a stunning two-story family room featuring exposed wood beams, rich wood flooring, skylights, and a striking stone fireplace, flooded
Originally built by a custom home builder as his personal residence, 1045 Linda Lane exudes charm and showcases many perks throughout! This one of a kind 2 story home located on a corner lot featuring a dreamy wrap around front porch, boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Anderson windows & doors, ample living space on the main floor, a private entrance into what could be an office/flex/dining space,
This roomy 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom mobile home is located in the quiet, 55 and older Wildwood Mobile Home Community in Sandwich. It offers comfortable living with an open floor plan. The primary bedroom features its own full bath and walk-in closet, while 2 additional bedrooms provide plenty of space for guests to stay when visiting. The home will be sold AS-IS and comes fully furnished with
Welcome to 1654 Hilda Drive on the Sandwich side of Lake Holiday-an updated 2-story home with the major improvements already done. Built in 2002, this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a bright, functional layout with fresh interior paint throughout (2026). The main level features new hardwood floors (2025), a spacious kitchen with solid oak cabinetry, island seating, and room for
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This property is a single unit and part of a two (2) unit duplex property. Interior has been had recent upgrades with new carpeting, laminate flooring and paint throughout. Property has a large deck, yard and is in move-in condition.
Roger BlomgrenTri-County Property Management & Sales LLC
Spring is here, don't miss your chance to own this one owner, 3 bedroom, 2 bath all brick ranch in Lake Holiday. Designed with a practical, no nonsense floor plan, this home offers comfortable living with a spacious living room featuring a cozy brick fireplace that flows seamlessly into the well-planned kitchen and large breakfast area. All three bedrooms offer generous closet space, and the
Affordable living in the 55+ Wildwood North community, featuring two roomy bedrooms and one full bathroom. The home boasts a large living room and a generous kitchen with a huge pantry. The bathroom has been completely redone and there is new flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. Outside, you'll find a lovely patio area perfect for relaxing, along with a shed for additional storage. There are no
A solidly built all-brick ranch home with 3 bedrooms on the main level plus a 4th in the lower level. Includes 3 full baths, all with new fixtures. Has 1,320 sq. ft. on first floor and another 1,320 sq. ft. in the finished lower level, for over 2,600 sq. ft. of living space. Recently remodeled up and down, all newly painted inside. Main floor includes large living room, master suite, bedrooms 2
Great corner lot located on the Somonauk side of Lake Holiday. Already to build your dream home and enjoy all the amenities that lake Holiday has to offer.
Welcome to the lake~Premium corner location w/water views from the yard & from the large deck~Split level home w/easy floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms & a partially finished lower level~The spacious living room features hardwood flooring, crown molding & arched doorways~The eat-in kitchen promotes beautiful 42" crowned cabinetry, gorgeous granite counter tops, hardwood flooring, recessed
Can't find the right house? Build it This flat, cleared lot in Lake Holiday is ready when you are. With dimensions of approximately 91 x 200 x 80 x 209, it offers a flexible layout for a variety of home designs. A standout feature is the mature tree line that runs between this lot and the neighboring parcel, providing natural privacy and a more established feel-something you don't often find with
Located in an active 55 aged community, this charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home has Farmhouse Style. Step inside this beautifully maintained home featuring full drywall throughout, giving the home a more traditional residential feel. The inviting living room is filled with natural light thanks to a stylish transom window, creating a bright and welcoming space for relaxing or entertaining. The
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