Home Details for 115 Nippersink Road

Rising along the waterfront of Nippersink Lake in downtown Fox Lake, the Randolph Hotel stands as one of the area's most iconic and storied landmarks. First opened in 1908, the hotel was born during an era when northern Illinois lake towns were booming as seasonal retreats for Chicago visitors seeking fresh air, entertainment, and escape from city life. From its earliest days, the Randolph was a centerpiece of Fox Lake's social scene-welcoming travelers, vacationers, and locals alike. Its legend truly took shape during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and early 1930s, when Fox Lake emerged as a quiet refuge from Chicago's dry laws. With convenient rail access and a thriving resort atmosphere, the town became a magnet for underground nightlife. The Randolph, refined on the surface yet perfectly positioned, gained notoriety as a gathering place for speakeasy culture. Stories passed down through generations speak of concealed rooms, basement watering holes, and high-profile visitors with ties to Chicago's organized crime scene-drawn to the lakefront hideaway where music played late and the rules bent easily. Whispers of jazz drifting through the night, discreet deals, and law enforcement turning a blind eye helped cement the Randolph's reputation as more than just a hotel. It became a symbol of the bold, rebellious energy of the Roaring Twenties, capturing the spirit of an era when Fox Lake was alive with risk, revelry, and reinvention. That legacy continues today. The Randolph has been thoughtfully reimagined, preserving its historic character while embracing a new chapter. The building now houses Black Lung Brewing Co., a distinctive craft brewery and restaurant that nods to the hotel's storied past with its daring name and atmospheric design. Exposed brick, original architectural elements, and vintage touches blend seamlessly with modern brewing technology, creating a space where history and innovation coexist. Guests gather over house-brewed beers and locally inspired fare, surrounded by walls that have witnessed more than a century of stories. Above the brewery, the Randolph lives on as a boutique hotel, offering thirteen individually updated guest rooms. Original hardwood floors, period trim, and classic details remain, paired with modern comforts that meet today's expectations. A stay here is more than lodging-it's an experience rooted in Fox Lake's past. The Randolph Hotel remains a living landmark: a place where Prohibition-era legends meet present-day hospitality, and where community, culture, and history converge along the lakefront. Property is offered AS-IS.

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