Cypress Resort & Marine — Attraction in Illinois

My husband Brian and I were lucky enough to get married here Labor Day 2015 (perfect venue) and have been going back to visit, host family/friend picnics, attend parties, & hang out on the beach as often as possible ever since.

We stayed in cottage #2 for our wedding weekend and felt right at home. At that point, it was one of few cottages available for rent, but Amanda has been very busy rehabbing ever since and now has a number of cozy, beautifully updated cottages available for rent. Each unit has its own unique and personal touches that highlight the original charm while still being modern and fully equipped for a very comfortable stay.

The beach at Cypress is the best on the chain by far, & it's a great place to spend a summer weekend just hanging out, floating around, & using one of the many lounge chairs, picnic tables, and/or BBQ grills. There are clean bathroom facilities with hot showers available, which definitely come in handy.

Last but not least, Amanda is an amazing hostess and her genuine love & passion for this place (& all of its historic charm) is part of what makes it so special. She's so friendly and welcoming and just one of those people people are drawn to. She has a really awesome thing going at Cypress.

Overall, this place is definitely the hidden gem of Petite Lake, if not all of the Chain o' Lakes &...

GREAT FOR PARTIES!!! We just had our 20th HS reunion here and it was amazing! Outside has a great big white tent overlooking the lake so you can be outside, but in the shade if you want. 4 big picnic tables. Bonfire pit off to the side. Only downfall...very steep hill that doesn’t have any kind of posts or ropes as a precaution- not the best for kids or people who’ve partied too hard (especially at night). The Boat House inside space is super cute with plenty of room for people to stand and mingle, as well as sit at pub tables or on couch. Has a small bar with a full size fridge/freezer. Does have bathrooms, access located on outside of boathouse. Has a gravel driveway/road, but parking is in grass. Would image if it’s rainy season this might not be the greatest. I didn’t actually use the beach or cottages, but people said both are great! Kids love playing on the beach having hours of fun while parents sit back and relax. Cottages...

I treated myself with a staycation weekend & I'm happy that I did, because now, I know what I've been missing & I'll do it again! Saturday night was lively with a huge bonfire with other guests & friends of the resort. Sunday was lazy, sitting on the dock, meeting resort regulars & enjoying the calm of an unusually warm winter's breeze through the trees from a hammock. Sunday night was easy & quiet, with tea. I had a bath & ordered food to the main house. Monday morning was sleeping in & coffee on the porch. The decor of the brains l cabins is aesthetically pleasing, to say the least. It literally calms you. The only negative is that Cypress is so beautiful, it's hard to leave. The staff, & everyone on the grounds is friendly & helpful. Amanda is, clearly, hard-working & has created a lovely retreat. I can't say enough good things. It's just...