Are you looking for the best beaches in Illinois? Illinois is known for its corn and its prairies, but not necessarily for its beaches. So, you may be wondering, “Are there any beaches near me in Illinois?” The good news is Yes! – there are some really great beaches where you can take the whole family (and sometimes Fido!), sit on the sand, swim, and soak up the summer rays.

1. Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Curtis Abert/Flickr
To start off our list of the best beaches in Illinois is Illinois Beach State Park, which is officially called 'Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park.' This gorgeous stretch of beach sits along the shores of Lake Michigan and is a picturesque spot for wildlife, hiking, and swimming. For more information, visit the State Parks webpage.
2. Lighthouse Beach, Evanston
Lighthouse Beach, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Romulus Popa/Google
A season or day pass is required to sit on this sandy beach. For more information, visit the Evanston parks webpage.
3. Oak Street Beach, Chicago
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL, USA
Goddess of Rocks/Flickr
You can view the Chicago city skyline from this beach, which has an accessible path to the shoreline. For more information, visit the Chicago parks website.
4. Sunrise Park, Lake Bluff
Sunrise Park, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA
Lucy Gray/Flickr
Park District residents are given free access to this stunning beach while non-residents can purchase a day pass. For more information, visit the Lake Bluffs Parks website.

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5. Northwestern Beach, Evanston
Northwestern University - Lincoln St. Beach, Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Alan C./Flickr
This beach is located at the north end of Northwestern's campus, but all are welcome to visit. For more information, visit the Northwestern Recreation webpage.
6. Glencoe Beach, Chicago
Glencoe Beach, Illinois 60022, USA
Amanda/Flickr
If you are looking for things to do in summer in Illinois, come to Glencoe Beach which has it all! From a playground to SUP board, sailboat, and kayak rentals, a playground, sun shelters, and locker rooms, this is the ultimate beach to spend the day. For more information, visit the Glencoe Park District website.
7. Rend Lake, Benton
Rend Lake, Illinois, USA
Benjamin Gonzales/Flickr
Rend Lake offers a wide variety of recreation beyond its lovely beach. Spend some time on the sand and then head out on a hike, bike ride, kayak, or play some golf. For more information, visit the Rend Lake website.
8. Lake Shelbyville, Shelby County
Lake Shelbyville, Illinois, USA
Dan/Flickr
Lake Shelbyville has some of the most beautiful beaches in Illinois and is quite the destination with all the things to do here. Aside from four public beaches, it's close to historical sites and plenty of lodging. For more information, visit Lake Shelbyville on the Web.
9. Montrose Beach, Chicago
Montrose Beach, 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Paul Schultz/Flickr
Here is another accessible beach with a beach walk. During the season, there are concessions and lifeguards on duty. For more information, visit Chicago Park District's site.

What do you think of this list of the best beaches in Illinois? Do you know of any other beaches or places to go swimming in Illinois? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

If you are looking to spend time out on a river in Illinois for some summer fun, head to Knoch Knolls Park in Naperville for a kayak paddling tour on DuPage River.  

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Best Beaches In Illinois

Melissa M | April 18, 2021

What are the best lakes for swimming in Illinois?

The Prairie State is filled with pristine lakes that are ideal for swimming. If you want to swim in the lake with the clearest water, head to Lake Le-Aqua-Na in Lena. Lake Kincaid, Lake Springfield, and Little Grassy Lake are also wonderful places for swimming.

What are some fun things to do in summer in Illinois?

With waterparks, zoos, hiking, biking, and more, there are endless possibilities for having fun in the Prairie State each summer! Read our article The 8 Most Unique Summer Adventures You Can Only Have In Illinois to give you some ideas on some activities that are fun for the whole family.

Are there any swimming holes I should visit in Illinois?

Illinois has many unique swimming holes, some that are more easily accessible than others. Hike deep into the Shawnee National Forest to Bork Falls which feeds a stunning pool at the bottom. It will be a welcome place to go swimming in after an arduous trek. Centennial Beach in Naperville is located at a former quarry. Now a swimming hole, you can find both deep and shallow water here. Head to our post to see what other swimming holes you’ve been missing out on in Illinois.

 

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