Whiteside County, Illinois
Blue Lake, Inc
Blue Lake sits in northwestern Illinois near Erie, about 30 miles east of the Quad Cities.
About this place
Blue Lake sits in northwestern Illinois near Erie, about 30 miles east of the Quad Cities. It's a member-owned cooperative that's been running since the 1950s, making it one of the older continuously operating naturist clubs in the Midwest. Like many co-ops of its era, it was founded by families looking for a private, informal place to practice social nudity away from public scrutiny—a model that shaped much of the American naturist landscape when commercial resorts were rare and public nude recreation essentially nonexistent.
The property centers on a small private lake suitable for swimming and paddling, surrounded by wooded areas and open lawn spaces. The atmosphere is low-key and community-oriented rather than resort-like. You'll find people swimming, playing volleyball, reading in the shade, or just hanging out by the water. Facilities are basic: restrooms, showers, and a clubhouse. This isn't a place with amenities like a restaurant or spa—it's more rustic and DIY, reflecting its cooperative roots where members pitch in to maintain the grounds.
Blue Lake is family-oriented, especially during summer months when kids are common. First-time visitors need to contact the club ahead of time rather than just showing up. As a co-op, it operates differently than commercial clubs—membership structures and guest policies reflect a community-focused model where regulars know each other and help run the place.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Primarily Midwest families and couples who are members or friends of members. Summer weekends see more activity with kids around. The cooperative structure means you're more likely to encounter regulars who've been coming for years than drop-in tourists. Visitor demographics beyond the general family-friendly, regional-draw profile aren't well-documented publicly.
How to find it
The club is near Erie in Whiteside County, roughly 30 miles east of the Quad Cities along the Illinois side of the Mississippi River corridor. The mailing address is a PO box, so you'll need to contact the club directly for property directions and gate access. Expect rural roads once you're close—typical for private naturist clubs in agricultural regions.
Things to watch out for
First-time visitors must contact the club in advance—don't just show up. As a cooperative, guest policies and fees (if any) are set by the membership and may differ from commercial resorts. Seasonal access is likely limited to warmer months given the Midwest climate. Illinois winters are cold, so plan visits between late spring and early fall.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Clothes come off in designated areas only—don't undress in the parking lot. When sitting on shared furniture, use a towel. Photography is strictly prohibited without explicit permission from everyone who might be in frame; most people just leave cameras in their cars. Kids are supervised by their own parents here, not by other guests. The lake is clothing-optional, but some members wear swimsuits—neither choice is wrong. Alcohol policies vary by event, so ask when you arrive. This is a cooperative, so members often pitch in with small tasks during their visit. If someone asks for help setting up for a potluck or event, it's normal to lend a hand.
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