Property Description 115 Nippersink Boulevard, Fox Lake, IL, 60020
Standing proudly along the shores of Nippersink Lake in the heart of downtown Fox Lake, the Randolph Hotel is a living piece of American history. Constructed in 1908 during the golden age of Midwestern resort culture, the Randolph quickly became a favorite destination for city dwellers from Chicago seeking leisure, lake views, and lively entertainment. But it was during the 1920s and early 1930s-at the height of Prohibition-that the Randolph Hotel earned its most legendary reputation. With the sale and consumption of alcohol outlawed nationwide, Fox Lake became an unlikely epicenter for rebellion against the dry laws. The area's remote location, easy access from Chicago via rail, and its status as a summer playground made it fertile ground for speakeasies, moonshiners, and organized crime. The Randolph Hotel, elegant yet discreet, found itself at the center of it all. Rumors abound of hidden passageways, secret basement bars, and notorious guests-including figures tied to Al Capone's Chicago Outfit-frequenting the Randolph to escape scrutiny and enjoy the free-flowing contraband. Locals speak of late-night jazz echoing from behind closed doors, law enforcement looking the other way, and liquor flowing freely despite the national ban. The Randolph became more than a hotel-it became a symbol of resistance, revelry, and the spirit of the Roaring Twenties in small-town America. Today, that spirit lives on. The Randolph has been lovingly restored and revitalized, blending historic charm with modern flair. It is now home to the infamous Black Lung Brewing Co., a bold and creative craft brewery and restaurant that pays tribute to the building's rebellious past. With exposed brick, wood beams, and vintage aesthetics alongside state-of-the-art brewing equipment, Black Lung serves up house-crafted beers and local cuisine in a setting that invites guests to drink in the history-literally and figuratively. Above the restaurant, the Randolph still operates as a boutique hotel, featuring thirteen uniquely renovated guest rooms that preserve original details like hardwood floors and period moldings while offering the comfort and convenience of modern hospitality. Staying at the Randolph isn't just an overnight trip-it's a chance to sleep within the walls of one of Fox Lake's most storied institutions. The Randolph Hotel is more than a building-it's a chapter of American history. From secret drinks to craft brews, it continues to be a gathering place where stories are made and legends are remembered. Property is being offered AS-IS.