Explore the Beauty of Sankoty Lakes in Illinois
Come to Illinois’s newly opened Sankoty Lakes for the fishing, stay for sunsets.
1. Dazzling Sunsets
I canceled my dinner reservations as the view outside was simply too inviting to forgo. On a warm autumn day, I flung open my safari-style tent to find the most dazzling sunset I’ve ever seen. I savored the last burnt-orange glow as it disappeared below the horizon. This gorgeous scene was exactly what I expected to find at Sankoty Lakes – a divine little glamping outfitter 12 miles north of Peoria, Illinois.
2. Tent Accommodations
Sankoty Lakes, which opened in 2021 just a tad inland from the Illinois River, serves as an adventure retreat for fishing fans and those looking to unwind.
All 20 tents, open from April to November, are much more than your average pop-up. Each is equipped with electric heaters for cozy nights, and features a kitchenette, bedroom, bath, and a dining table seating up to six guests (including pets). For those wanting a larger space, two-bedroom-plus-loft tents offer a bunk room and seating area.
The private outdoor areas include a picnic table and a fire pit, with bundles of wood brought right to your tent, allowing you to enjoy evenings without lifting a finger.
The best part of these chic-meets-rustic accommodations is the easy access to the water. Just outside the tents is a trout stream brimming with fish, with poles provided during the trout season from spring to fall.
3. Culinary Delights
It’s a destination that feels so unique that while enjoying a berry salad with salmon at The Woolly Bugger, the on-site restaurant, I temporarily forgot I was in Illinois. Crafted by Jennifer Rickelman, affectionately known as “Chef Jen,” the menu features foraged items alongside local products like Kilgus Farmstead’s hamburger patties, Ropp Jersey Cheese’s cheddar, and organic fruits from Hartz Produce.
4. Exciting Activities
While fishing is a highlight, there are plenty of other activities to try, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and pontoon boating. After a long day, guests can also indulge in massages delivered right to their tents, offering an ultimate relaxation experience.
5. Nature Exploration
To make sure guests see and do it all, resort manager Kim Marsh suggests taking a golf cart to navigate the dirt roads and the beautiful bridges arching above the on-site streams and ponds. The experience at Sankoty Lakes feels like a lens into the future of Midwestern hospitality and is already attracting visitors from around the globe.
Many are drawn to the breathtaking landscapes, including the property’s three lakes and Caribbean-reminiscent beach cabanas. There’s a growing trend among international travelers who are discovering this hidden gem in the Midwest, and as I gazed out at the picturesque views, I understood why they made the journey.
