Lake County Gazette

Alpine Country Club, located in Round Lake, Ill, is promoting a membership drive this season hoping to attract others wanting the lake life without the cost and hassle of owning a lake house. 

"Our family loves the north woods feel, boating, and that there's a focus on family among members that makes it very comfortable," said Jake, who joined in 2022 with his family of five.

The Alpine is a private member-owned social club situated on the shores of Round Lake in Lake County, just an hour from Chicago.

Alpine Country Club | Alpine Country Club LCG Photo

The club has seating for 200 in the dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there's a special menu for meals in the bar on Friday evenings. Members can spend the weekend by booking any of the 42 rooms available in the clubhouse or three separate cottages. Boating is very popular too, and there is room for 35 boats in slips on the property.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day club activities include boating, beach activities, family fishing derbies, and a pool. There is plenty of space for relaxing and recreation, including a separate building dedicated to bocce courts.

"The club is wonderfully unsophisticated, and this makes it a relaxing family atmosphere and financially approachable for many" said Kim, whose family has been members for about 10 years. "We love the lake and the people."

The facility originally opened in 1901 as an Ice House for Armour meat packing, harvesting more than 100,000 tons of ice per winter. A fire destroyed the warehouse facility in 1917, and the advent of electric refrigeration was cause not to rebuild. Armour rebranded the facility as the Opal Lodge for use by Armour staff until it was purchased by the Alpine Country Club in 1929.

Renovations to the clubhouse this past winter include updated walls, floors, lighting, and artwork. 

"The updates we think will make the club more comfortable and attractive to perspective members" said one volunteer.

Alpine Country Club is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. New members complete an application, pay an initial $1,500 initiation fee, and 2023 dues are $2,500.  The property tax bill is divided among existing members each year. www.thealpinecountryclub.com