Chicagoland and Midwest Regional Dive Sites

Chicagoland offers a diverse range of dive sites, from freshwater quarries to Lake Michigan wreck diving, catering to both recreational and technical divers.

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Three Oaks Recreational - Scuba Zone (Crystal Lake, IL)

Three Oaks Scuba Zone is a well-regarded freshwater dive site in Chicagoland. The maximum depth is around 40 feet, with three permanent platforms at 25 feet, making it a solid training site for practicing buoyancy, navigation, and safety stops. While it lacks on-site amenities like air fills or a dive shop, two nearby dive shops provide support, rentals, and guided dives. Expect water temps around 60°F at depth, with a drysuit or 7mm wetsuit recommended in the colder months. Attractions include a basic buoyancy course, culverts for swim-throughs, and small rowboats, with an 800-foot circuit now possible using guide lines. Park rules require a buddy and a dive flag, though many divers secure an SMB at Platform 1 to meet this requirement. Regular OW training and fun dives take place on weekends, and guided weekday evening dives are available through several local dive shops.

See the Diver Guide to Three Oaks

Pearl Lake (South Beloit, IL)

Pearl Lake is widely considered the best local dive site in Chicagoland, offering better visibility than Haigh Quarry and more attractions than Three Oaks. The privately owned site is open for diving from late April to mid-October, with a $30/day entry fee. Depths range from 30-40 feet, with a deep hole reaching ~85 feet, though it's not in a standard dive area. Water temperatures hover in the high 50s at depth, so a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. Unlike public dive sites, Pearl Lake assigns dive locations, and the best spots on the east side fill up quickly. Attractions, including a small plane, are scattered and often unmarked, making navigation a bit of a treasure hunt. There is no on-site scuba shop or air fills, so divers must plan ahead. Many local dive shops use Pearl Lake for training and group dives, making it a popular weekend destination.

See the Diver Guide to Pearl Lake

Haigh Quarry (Kankakee, IL)

Haigh Quarry is one of the most popular dive sites in Chicagoland, largely due to its dedication to scuba diving and on-site dive shop with air fills and rentals. However, visibility is often the worst of the three major local sites, with heavy silt and high diver traffic stirring up particles—especially on weekends when Open Water classes are in full swing. Depths range from 20 feet on average to 70 feet in the deep hole, with water temperatures reaching the low 70s in summer but dropping fast below 45 feet. A 5mm wetsuit is the minimum recommendation, with 7mm or a drysuit advised for deeper areas. Despite the limited visibility, Haigh offers several underwater attractions, including a rock crusher, though finding them can be a challenge. Bluegill are aggressive, and divers have reported getting nipped enough to bleed. The site provides ample setup space, picnic areas, and an easy sloping entry, making it a prime location for training and group dives.

See the Diver Guide to Haigh Quarry

Lake Michigan (South)

Double Action Dive Charters operates out of Hammond Marina in Indiana, offering access to Lake Michigan’s shipwrecks and dive sites in the southern region. The charter runs out of a semi-hidden marina near the Horseshoe Casino, so first-time visitors should review the directions carefully. The dive boat features a spacious galley, an upper deck, and a well-organized diving setup. Giant stride entries are done from the starboard side, and divers re-enter the boat using a Christmas Tree ladder at the stern with fins on. Tag and pull lines are in the water to assist divers on ascent and descent. The marina provides dock carts for easy gear transport, and restrooms are available near the dock. Lake Michigan diving is highly dependent on conditions, so divers should be prepared for potential last-minute changes or cancellations.

See the Diver Guide to Lake Michigan (South)

Gilboa Quarry (Ottawa, OH)

Gilboa Quarry is widely regarded as the best Midwest dive site for visibility, consistently outperforming the Chicago-area quarries even on busy weekends. The quarry features a shallow side (~72°F in mid-summer above 20 feet) and a deep side, catering to both recreational and technical divers. Maximum depths exceed 100 feet, with numerous attractions at varying depths. The site is well-equipped, offering on-site air fills, banked Nitrox, and O2 for rebreathers and tech divers, along with basic rental gear. Camping (tent and RV) is available, making it an excellent weekend dive destination. Divers benefit from large docks with submerged platforms, ideal for pre/post-dive staging and training. Tank fills operate via a token system, and it’s best to get fills early, as weekends get busy after noon. With clearer water, solid amenities, and varied depths, Gilboa is a top choice for Midwest divers looking for a well-organized, attraction-filled dive site.

See the Diver Guide to Gilboa Quarry

Mermet Springs (Belknap, IL)

Mermet Springs is arguably the best dive site within a days drive of the Chicagoland regional area, offering excellent infrastructure, deep diving opportunities, and unique underwater attractions. The quarry features significant thermoclines, with temperatures dropping to 50°F or lower below 40 feet—so a drysuit or 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended for deeper dives. The site boasts a well-managed air fill station, including custom Nitrox blends via partial pressure filling (requiring O2-clean tanks). Underwater navigation is easy, as major attractions and training platforms (down to 100 feet) are connected by well-marked guide lines. Massive catfish patrol the waters, unbothered by divers. The gazebo-based setup is top-tier, providing picnic tables, gear storage, and pre-hung whiteboards for planning dives. Night diving is allowed on select days, making this a great destination for advanced training. Whether for deep, technical, or DPV dives, Mermet Springs is unmatched in the region.

See the Diver Guide to Mermet Springs
There are also many other dive locations I personally have not visited yet...here are the ones I know about:

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