Lake Marie is located in northwestern Lake County, Illinois, between Channel Lake and Route 173. It is part of the Chain O'Lakes system, connected to other lakes by the Fox River and man-made channels. Paddlers can access Lake Marie via Chain O'Lakes State Park, which offers free entry (though a Fox Waterway Agency fee may apply). The park provides two concrete boat ramps suitable for launching kayaks and canoes.

Powerboats, sailboats, and other watercraft are permitted on Lake Marie, creating a busy environment during summer months. Small boat operators should exercise caution and always wear a personal flotation device, as high-speed powerboats frequently pass through the area. Navigation buoys mark the main boating channels.

For a longer paddling excursion, it's possible to travel between multiple lakes in the Chain O'Lakes system. From the State Park, paddlers can head north to Lake Marie or south to explore Nippersink Lake, Fox Lake, and Pistakee Lake. The interconnected waterways offer several days' worth of paddling opportunities across 6,500 acres of water.

Lake Marie supports a diverse fish population, including channel catfish, yellow bass, carp, yellow perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge. Fishing from kayaks or canoes is popular, with weekdays recommended for a quieter experience.

The surrounding landscape features fresh water bogs, river bluffs, and gently sloping hills. In autumn, cherry elm, birch, and sumac trees provide colorful scenery. Wildflowers bloom in warmer seasons, adding to the lake's natural beauty.

Facilities at Chain O'Lakes State Park include canoe and rowboat rentals for those without their own watercraft. The park serves as a convenient base for exploring Lake Marie and the broader Chain O'Lakes system.