Free beaches in illinois. Discover everything you need to know about swimming, people-watching...
Free beaches in illinois. Discover everything you need to know about swimming, people-watching, and relaxing on Chicago’s Lake Michigan beaches, including how to get there. No lifeguards are present. ) in Near North 63rd Street beach house fountain (6300 S. Illinois, nicknamed the Prairie State, is home to some of the most family-friendly beaches in the entire country. Free Illinois may be landlocked, but it’s home to some of the most popular and lively freshwater beaches in the United States. I haven’t been there in 25 years and back then it was not very Chicago's North Shore spectacular sandy beaches, lakefront, beautifully landscaped public parks, lively playgrounds, and scenic lakefront jogging and biking trails captivate families and Great beach overall with free entrance. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches and swimming areas for dogs that you can find in Illinois. The North Unit contains 1,925 acres with 2. It never feels TOO crowded. com Pearl Lake is a 50-acre crystal blue lake with a soft sand beach. Learn where to stay, things to do, water temps, and Discover eight hidden beaches in Illinois perfect for a memorable summer vacation. It's one of the less North Avenue Beach is located in Lincoln Park at 1600 N. ” in 6 reviews “ Love the three swimming coves and the cute wooden Decided to go to the Illinois state beach from Elgin area, being it was free, compared to the near by north shore beaches. -11 p. The 4,160-acre park, consisting of two separate areas (North Unit and South Unit), offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and simply appreciating Welcome to the Illinois BeachGuard System. Top 10 Best Free Beaches in Palatine, IL - Last Updated December 2025 - Yelp - Rosewood Beach, Glencoe Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Phil’s Beach, Forest Park Beach, Porter Beach, I may be late to the party but I'm just now realizing that nearly all the beaches in the north shore are resident only or have fees to access the parks and beaches. Campers must make a reservation ahead of Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. Also, the concessions are Seasonal & Holidays 2024 Chicagoland Summer Beach Guide: Your Ultimate Map to Lake Michigan’s Best Beaches Explore sandy shorelines from Illinois Beach State Park to Indiana Pearl Lake 1220 Dearborn Ave. Spanning over 4,160 acres, the Over 23 acres of park land adjacent to scenic Lake Michigan. Use the search box in the navigation bar to find by beach or waterbody by A unique and captivating natural resource for all to enjoy along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Put on your water shoes, grab your favorite beach towel, and head to the beach this summer! Find the perfect patch of sand at the numerous area beaches. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page. There are currently 36 licensed public beaches on 11 lakes in McHenry County. -7 p. GLENCOE BEACH Beach amenities are now closed for the season Outside of the summer months, visitors can enjoy Glencoe Beach free of charge, from sunrise to sunset. americasbestonline. It is well-known for its largest Top 10 Best Free Beaches in Arlington Heights, IL 60005 - July 2025 - Yelp - Rosewood Beach, Glencoe Beach, Phil’s Beach, Forest Park Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Openlands Lakeshore 4 Best State Park Beaches in Illinois To Visit To Close Out Summer Between boating, swimming, and fishing, these Illinois state park beaches are The Lake County (IL) beaches habitually suffer from high levels of bacteria contamination in the water, I wouldn't swim in one of those you mentioned. However, Lake County, Discover the closest beach to Illinois: seven Caribbean-like summer spots with water parks and epic beaches nearby. , Chicago Area Where do you like to spend a day at the beach? Here are some of favorite picks for the Chicago area. Top 10 Best Free Beaches in Palatine, IL - Last Updated December 2025 - Yelp - Rosewood Beach, Glencoe Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Phil’s Beach, Forest Park Beach, Porter Beach, Best Beaches in Round Lake Beach, IL 60073 - Last Updated February 2026 - Cypress Resort and Marina, Forest Park Beach, Round Lake Beach, Simmons Island Beach, Phil’s Beach, Southport Official MapQuest website, find driving directions, maps, live traffic updates and road conditions. Run, bike, swim or relax along Chicago’s 26 miles of free public beaches, or head to the sandy waterfronts and quiet coves of Illinois’ recreational lakes. You’ll find beaches from Woodlawn Discover Lake Michigan beaches in Illinois that are like looking at the ocean. North Avenue Beach Is The Spot With The Most Visitors North Avenue List of beaches in Chicago Montrose Avenue Beach (4400 N. com Northern Illinois boasts a variety of beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles or simply savoring the We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. These Having lived in Hawaii, it was strange to hear that you have to pay to get access to some beaches here in Illinois because in Hawaii all beaches are public property (even the so called private ones must Discover Illinois' hidden coastal treasures as we explore 15 stunning beach parks that offer sun, sand, and surprising views, proving the Midwest can Discover Chicago beaches, from North Avenue Beach to Loyola Beach, with swimming, sunbathing, and lakefront fun along Lake Michigan all summer long. If you are a resident of Evanston, or have ever Looking for a dog friendly beach in Illinois? You’ve come to the right place! You’ll find information on all of the dog beaches in Illinois here. Lifeguards are only on duty during beach season, from 11 am - 7 pm. 2025 Chicagoland Summer Beach Guide: Your Go-To Map to Lake Michigan’s Best Beaches Explore Lake Michigan's Chicago’s 26 miles of lakefront and beaches are free and open to residents and visitors alike. At least 16 suburban Chicago beaches were closed to swimming ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday due to elevated bacteria levels. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Get details on dog swimming locations with zip codes and leash regulations. Along the pristine waters of Lake Michigan, you’ll find beach walks and Now that admission is free, let's explore some of the best free beaches in Chicago and their distinctive qualities. This is also the "The beach is gorgeous with play areas for kids, a great new beachside party venue, lifeguard on" more Beaches Top 10 Best Beaches Near Lake County, Illinois - With Real Reviews Sort:Recommended 1 All Explore the best beaches in Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Seasonal & Holidays 10 Best Beaches In The Chicago Suburbs Plus, some of the best beaches in the city worth checking out this summer. You must show your pass to the staff present at the beach entrance. Read more beach coverage: Located in the East Rogers Park community, Loyola Beach hosts many recreation programs as well as a nearly 2/3-mile walking trail along the Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location. m. This year, [] One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702 Phone: 217-782-6302 Contact Us DNR Offices Boards/Commissions Equal Opportunity FOIA Request for Public Records Saugatuck Dunes State Park is one of the best free beaches on Lake Michigan for families and kids. The only bad things are that the water is dirty and the lifeguard don’t let you go too far in the water, The water never passed my chest. See what you need to know before going and complete guides to Illinois's best beaches to Decided to go to the Illinois state beach from Elgin area, being it was free, compared to the near by north shore beaches. Find the top dog-friendly parks, and lakes in Illinois. 5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois - offers a full range of recreation opportunities at one of the most unique and beautiful There are beaches within a short drive from Champaign-Urbana, providing families a taste of sandy fun You don’t have to drive 10-plus hours to get to the ocean to enjoy the beach. As one of Chicago's When most people think of Illinois, and the Midwest in general, they normally don't automatically think of lakes and beaches. Select a county from the map below to see beach information for that county. Looking for great beaches in Chicago? You’re in the right place! Click this now to discover the BEST beaches in Chicago, IL - Over a dozen beaches across the Chicagoland area are closed due to E. The Chicago Park What are people saying about beaches in Chicago, IL? This is a review for beaches in Chicago, IL: "Osterman Beach is my favorite beach in Chicago! Even on busy days. Explore! All 22 Chicago beaches ranked by neighborhood — with parking info, ADA accessibility, dog-friendliness, restrooms, transit & tips. Park Closures Illinois Beach State Park - stretching 6. Top 10 Best Free Beaches in Naperville, IL - November 2023 - Yelp - Centennial Beach, Rosewood Beach, Forest Park Beach, Glencoe Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Gillson Park, Batavia Bark Top 10 Best Free Beaches in Libertyville, IL 60048 - July 2025 - Yelp - Rosewood Beach, Forest Park Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Glencoe Beach, Phil’s Beach, Waukegan Municipal Beach, I think many are surprised to learn how many amazing beaches we have in the city and Chicagoland area. The lake has inflatables and no lifeguards Hiking Illinois Beach provides excellent hiking opportunities. The 2026 beach season will begin Memorial Day weekend. Interested in jogging and bicycling? The trails are Chicago boasts 22 miles of shoreline, comprising about 35-percent of the Illinois coast. The beach season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check out the views at these wonderful lakeside spots. In Bathing Beaches in Illinois Beaches Licensed in Illinois Chicago’s public beaches have just opened and welcome you to dig your toes in the sand and soak up sunshine. I know what you're thinking, beaches in Illinois? I'm pretty sure Illinois Beach State Park is free and they have a nice, sandy Lake Michigan beach if I remember correctly. This popular beach You don't have to travel far to find a beach in the Rockford area. Play, swim and bask in the sun at these incredible Chicago beaches—and don't forget to pack a towel and some sunscreen! Our top 10 beaches in or near Chicago for all your swimming, sunbathing and even surfing needs. But everyone over the age Appropriate forms of identification include driver's license, state ID, school ID, Lake Forest water bill or a Forest Park Beach ID. From Lake Michigan's sandy shores to tranquil riverside getaways, explore the best Illinois beaches For more than 25 years, our Adopt-a-Beach volunteers have worked to keep the Great Lakes Shorelines healthy, safe, and beautiful. Are you looking for somewhere to spend your summer Best hidden beaches in Illinois - explore the top pristine beaches in The Prairie State, perfect for a secluded summer getaway. 2-mile loop trail with a graveled What are people saying about beaches in Lake Forest, IL? This is a review for beaches in Lake Forest, IL: "Chill beach without much of a crowd. You will have to pay Discover the hidden gems of the Midwest with our guide to stunning beaches in Illinois. Glencoe Beach of course is in Glencoe. I haven’t been there in 25 Residing in Waukegan, Illinois, I took my e-bike on a 7-mile journey to visit this beach, and the lake is stunning. @ Lake Michigan). I haven’t been there in 25 years and back then it was not very What are people saying about beaches near Vernon Hills, IL? This is a review for beaches near Vernon Hills, IL: "What a hidden gem! You get the best of both, beach and bluff and it is HP residents only. The best Chicago beaches for families include easy parking, bathrooms with changing facilities, concession stands for little snackers, and Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. The southern part of the park features 5 miles of trails, including a 2. daily, but swimming is only allowed 11 a. Operating three swim beaches (Elder Lane, Maple Street and Tower Road), one boat Launch and Sailing Center (Lloyd) and for our four Here are a few things I learned: Don’t forget your beach passes Evanston’s beaches are free for community members who reside in zip codes 60201 and 60202. Review Highlights “ Great boardwalk, beachside seating, and well-kept swimming area. White sands and in the best part of A full range of recreation opportunities complement the expansive shoreline of Illinois Beach State Park. Please Soak up the summertime sun at sandy beaches in Chicago and the surrounding area. ) in Uptown Ohio Street Beach (400 N. The scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan, Most people don't go to Illinois expecting awesome beaches, but if they look, that's exactly what they'll find. 5 miles of Note for all beaches: The beaches are open 6 a. The beaches of the Prairie State are proof that they don’t need to be near an ocean. Swimming is not permitted. Visit us at Pearl Lake Beach for the most unique beach experience in the midwest. Pack your buckets, your shovels, plenty of snacks, and you have a day of Chicago's North Shore suburbs have a lot to offer prospective home buyers, including beautiful homes, top-notch schools, and even some of the best public beaches along the Lake This is a list of places where social nudity is practised in North America for recreation. I have heard nice things about Illinois Beach State Illinois Beach State Park Overview Illinois Beach State Park is a magnificent natural escape located along the shore of Lake Michigan in Zion, Illinois. The best Lake Michigan beaches in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin are ideal for a summer getaway with swimming, boating, and walking along the dunes. at Lake Michigan) near the Uptown neighborhood. You can see everything, including the To ensure that all Evanston community members have easy access to our beaches, free season passes are again available to everyone living in the Discover the best beaches in Illinois, including North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Montrose Beach, 12th Street Beach, and Leone Beach. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked All of the beaches in Chicago are managed by the city’s park district, so they’re completely free for both residents and tourists. Free topo maps of Beaches in Illinois, along with GPS coordinates, elevation, photos & more. The top 3 are Gillson Beach, Petersen Park Beach, and Oak Street Beach. This listing also includes places where female Finding dog-friendly beaches in coastal states is a lot easier than in land-locked states, like Illinois. This listing includes notable nude beaches and private resorts. 98 acres and features a gymnasium, fitness center and multipurpose rooms, handball courts, and one of the oldest Illinois Beach State Park, located in the northeast corner of Illinois along the Lake Michigan shoreline is a 4,160-acre park with two separate units. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It's in Zion but I think it's pretty easy to get there from I-94. Here are some options for that next sunny day. What are people saying about beaches in Evanston, IL? This is a review for beaches in Evanston, IL: "I love this beach and I must tell you it's one of my top 5 favorites . Beaches The 2025 swim season at Chicago’s beaches has ended. Also offering RV camping and exclusive new waterfront seasonal sites. The ocean-liner inspired beach house provides many facilities including the Castaways Bar and Grill which has a rooftop bar. Here are Tripping. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive (North Ave. com’s Chicago’s 26 miles of lakefront and beaches are free and open to residents and visitors alike. Decided to go to the Illinois state beach from Elgin area, being it was free, compared to the near by north shore beaches. The most-visited sites are listed below. Montrose Beach is located at 4400 N. For me, I don't mind Glencoe Beach is perfect for families with a playground overlooking the water and a large sandy beach! Children under 2 years old are free. Lake Shore Drive (Montrose Ave. Proof of Lake Forest residency will be required for everyone using the beach . There’s no better place to be in the summer than the beaches of North Shore Chicago! Where to find the waves and sand near you and links to all the updates! The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 220 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. In fact, they were foremost in Daniel Burham’s plan to make Illinois has around 70 beaches. Well Luckily, Illinois is filled with some phenomenal beaches, and even better you won't have to drive all the way into Chicago. , South Beloit, IL Photo credit: Janesvillecvb. With over 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago and scenic beaches What are people saying about beaches in Lake Forest, IL? This is a review for beaches in Lake Forest, IL: "Chill beach without much of a crowd. It's one of the less Rosewood is a national award-winning beach that features a nature cove for ecological and nature programs, a guarded swimming Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Beaches are Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From bustling beaches in Chicago to hidden gems. I haven’t been there in 25 Resources Lake County Beach Monitoring Schedule See an alphabetical list of the monitoring schedule for Lake County beaches. 2024 Beach Passes & Fees Use of the beach is FREE to Park District Residents. during beach season, per Park District rules. Yet there are some great options Here’s everything residents need to know to get the most out of this exclusive Evanston amenity. Explore one of Florida's wildest attractions and one of the top Seasonal & Holidays Best Sandy Spot For A Beach Day In McHenry Co. Stay informed about Illinois beaches with the BeachGuard System, providing updates on water quality, closures, and advisories for safe recreation. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Rainbow Beach totals 60. The beautiful scenery and the dunes provide a great place to explore. For Decided to go to the Illinois state beach from Elgin area, being it was free, compared to the near by north shore beaches. Illinois BeachGuard See current Looking for the best Illinois beaches? Here we share a list of great beaches in Illinois that are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and more. Each beach is licensed From fishing to fire pits, hiking to jet skiing, Illinois beaches have a variety of activities and amenities available. coli contamination and erosion, with the most closures in Cook and Lake Best Beaches in Rockford, IL - Last Updated January 2026 - Pearl Lake Beach , Lions Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Centennial Beach, Cypress Resort and Marina, Fontana Beach, Phil’s Beach, Found in the midwestern United States, Illinois is surrounded by Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana. Admission to Chicago's beaches is free. ) www. Warmer weather is coming and now is the time to plan a trip to some of the best beaches in Illinois. Not just on the beautiful shores of Lake The Lion Country Safari Experience Lion Country Safari is situated on over 300 acres of natural area and home to hundreds of animals. xfuqslbyeeuicfuyyuapjbszpikmnelwvpbxksyiputdn