Wonder Lake, located in McHenry County, Illinois, is a charming village that serves as a commuter hub in the Chicago metropolitan area. The village’s population was 3,973 at the time of the 2020 census, but with the unincorporated subdivisions nearby, the actual population is thought to be closer to 10,000. The village, originally named Sunrise Ridge when incorporated in 1974, changed to Wonder Lake a few years later​​.
Wonder Lake was developed around Nippersink Creek, which was dammed in 1929 to create the lake. The area was part of a real estate development that included creating a large recreational lake from the creek, which now covers approximately 840 surface acres. Following a successful court case, the village annexed the lake bottom in the early 2000s to manage sediment buildup and ensure the lake’s health​​.
Wonder Lake has experienced significant residential growth, especially since late 2020. This includes the development of the Stonewater subdivision off Illinois Route 120, which is projected to add nearly 10,000 residents by 2040. Other neighborhoods on the west side of the lake that were abandoned during the Great Recession have also resumed construction​.
Wonder Lake is a private lake managed by various homeowner associations that exclusively provide beach and lake access to their members. Despite this, the village offers several amenities and activities:
Fishing: There are different speices of fish present in the lake, such as bass, walleye, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, perch, and muskie. It offers top-notch recreational fishing options.
Community Events: The Wonder Lake community is vibrant with numerous local events and active groups, such as the Wonder Lake Sportsman Club and the Wonder Lake Yacht Club, which contribute to the village’s close-knit atmosphere​​.
Local Businesses: The village features various local, non-franchise restaurants, small businesses, and essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, and fire stations, creating a self-sufficient community​​.
Multiple school districts serve Wonder Lake. Harrison School District 36 caters to K-8 students on the village’s east side. In contrast, high school students attend McHenry Community High School District 156 on the east and Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 on the west​​.
The village has a median age of 34 and a median household income of $59,712. Wonder Lake offers a sparse suburban feel with a high concentration of families, making it appealing to those seeking a balance between rural and suburban living​.
Wonder Lake continues to grow and evolve, maintaining its scenic charm and strong community spirit while adapting to new residential and economic developments. This blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community engagement makes Wonder Lake a unique and desirable place to live.