Can I get something to eat?
Lake O’ the Woods does not have a restaurant. During the summer season, there is often a club event on Saturday evening. There also some great community breakfasts. A special favorite is the blue berry pancake breakfast, usually held in mid-July. (We are very fortunate to be less than 30 minutes away from great blueberry picking country.) See the events information for details.. The 2010 calendar can be found at: Downloadable PDF File Detailed Calendar
During the season, soft drinks and bottled water are available for purchase as is ice cream. They are in special refrigerators with payment on the honor system. Lunch is available at the clubhouse on most Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 1:00. If a brunch or breakfast is served, there will be no lunch. Picnic tables are available on the lawn near the clubhouse and at the tent camping area. Lunch Menu
About five minutes away there is a large Wal-Mart and a major supermarket. Many restaurants are located with in a short driving distance form the club.
If you want to prepare your own food at the clubhouse, there is a member kitchen available for all members and guests to use. Dishes, pots and pans, and silverware are available in the kitchen. Members often put up a pot of coffee and share it with their friends.
People often join together and have a group dinner, either at the club or a near-by restaurant. So, do not fear, there is plenty to eat.
I want to stay over. Where can I sleep?
There are a few rooms and cottages available for lodging by the members on the grounds. If you want to come on a busy weekend, be sure to call early.
NOTE: individual members, not LOWC, offer lodging.
Lois 1-219-465-4254 Cottages
Joyce 1-219-477-1045 2 rooms shared bath link
Jan or Jim Private Cabin/Bath link
Jan's cell 1-630-772-1603
Jim's cell 1-630-975-1603
Lisa 1-219-477-6894 Private room
Mike or Mary 1-708-341-9089 Luxury 36 foot Trailer w / 3 slideouts link
Camping is also available. See question on camping.There are several motels within 10 minutes of LOWC in a variety of price ranges.
What about camping?
There is a space near the clubhouse for RVs. Space can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. Electricity, water and a dump station are provided.
There is also an area available for tent camping. It is spacious, open, near a wooded area, and some picnic tables are available. There are portable toilets at the tent area, which is a very short walk from the clubhouse where campers have access to showers, bathroom facilities and a member’s kitchen.
What are the customs and rules regarding when people are nude?
We are a nudist club, and we expect people to participate in nude recreation together. Nudity is mandatory in the pool, lake and sauna. Nudity is permitted anywhere on the grounds except at points where you can be seen from the outside of the property. There are some areas on the hiking trails and near gates where covering up is required. This can be accomplished by using a large towel or a wrap at the designated areas.
We also have a visibility issue on the causeway, which is at the southeast end of Sagers Lake. Visitors must be covered up and accompanied by a member to cross the causeway. If you wish to hike to the south side of the lake, you may cross the dam at the northwest end and hike up the trail to the south side of the club.
We use common sense and cover up if it is chilly, to protect against sunburn, when we are working around tools, etc., and of course, we are dressed when we expect to leave the grounds. Most of us prefer to be nude when it is comfortable to be nude. Women may also need bottoms at certain times of the month.
Are visitors required to be nude on their first visit?
We understand that social nudity is a new experience for some people. We would prefer for visitors to be nude, but for those who are experiencing social nudity for the first time, we are happy to give them some time to adjust to the experience. If you are concerned about social nudity, feel free to talk it over with a member or the gate keeper and get some advice. Many people who enjoy social nudity found that the first steps were the most challenging. There is no specific rule about how quickly people need to participate. We are interested in having people join us in our activities and we are happy to work with you to make the adjustment.
Some visitors want to come to a nudist club and watch what others are doing but not participate. Voyeurs make everyone uncomfortable, and if this is your goal, we would prefer that you go elsewhere.
The American Association for Nude Recreation offers some added insights on first visits to clubs: http://www.aanr.com/faq_first_visit.html
Can credit cards be used to pay my grounds fees at LOWC?
Yes.
What can my children and grandchildren do at LOWC?
Swimming is available in the pool and lake. There is playground area on the lawn near the clubhouse. Sand castles can be built on the two sandy beaches at the lake. Some children enjoy looking for minnows, toads, and snails in the lake and compare what they find. Children enjoy playing together and making friends.
Are there any events for children?
Parents of children have worked together to arrange special events for children. These vary from year to year, but have included making father’s day and mother’s day presents, a choir at Christmas, a hay ride at Halloween, craft projects, and a fishing tournament and others.
Who will greet me when I get there?
During the season, (Mid-May to Mid-September) there is a gatekeeper who will answer when you ring the gate, welcome you, show you the clubhouse, and can arrange for a tour of the grounds if you wish.
What do people do in the clubhouse?
The clubhouse is a gathering area for information conversation, parties and meetings. It offers a sauna, hot tub, bathrooms and showers, and is near the pool and beach. Some people watch television in the great room or check out the paperbacks on the bookshelves. There are comfortable chairs provided for great conversation areas. The members’ kitchen provides a good space to enjoy meals, either inside or at picnic tables.
What aged people will I find at LOWC?
All ages. Most of us are active adults, and some are retired. We all enjoy it when members bring their children and grandchildren.
What about fishing?
The lake offers great fishing including bluegills, crappies, and bass. Members and visitors who want to fish can use rowboats, pedal boats or canoes, or the fishing pier. For the last few years, there has been a children’s fishing tournament during the summer. Gasoline motors are not allowed.
I am from far away and plan to visit Chicago. How hard is it to get to LOWC?
Many nudists who are visiting Chicago for business or other reasons or passing through the Midwest stop and visit us. LOWC is less than 90 minutes from downtown Chicago. Follow directions from the West. LOWC is less than 30 minutes from the main east-west route (I80) that many people take when traveling across the country.
Are single individuals welcome?
Our members include both families and singles, but the majority are couples and families. Single visitors are welcome. This is a great place to enjoy the sunshine, play volleyball, make friends, swim and boat in the lake, but it is usually not a good place to find someone to date.
I drive a Truck. Is there truck parking at LOWC?
Parking and RV spots are limited, and LOWC is unable to accommodate large trucks and/or tractors at our clubhouse or RV spots. Trucks can be parked at Wal-Mart, which is about 5 minutes away. You will then need to call a friend in the area or a local taxi for transportation to the club. Pick-up trucks used for personal transportation are welcome in the parking lot.
I don't have a car. Is there any public transportation from Chicago to LOWC?
Take the South Shore Line (Schedules and station listings at: www.nictd.com or call (800) 356-2079) starting from Millennium Station in the Loop to Dunes Park Station. ($6.65 / 1h 20min)
Crazy Cabs (tel: 219-462-4350) in Valparaiso can take you from Dunes Park Station to our location. (approx 17 miles / $38.00 /one way.)
Chicago Dash express bus - express bus service from downtown Chicago to Valparaiso and Valparaiso to downtown Chicago. See website at http://www.chicagodash.com/ or call (219) 462-1161 for service hours and pricing. You can call a cab to get from the bus station to LOWC.
Are there any cautions I should be aware of?
We are a family oriented nudist club. Appropriate behavior is expected at all times.
Like virtually all nudist clubs, cameras and camera capable devices are not allowed. Any cell phones or computers with picture taking capability must be left in your vehicle.
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