nearby beaches
illinois beach state park
Adleline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099
DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: During the summer season, swimming is a major attraction along the sandy shorelines, and both units provide ample parking and a bathhouse with showers. There are no on-duty lifeguards so please be careful. No one should swim alone!
Hiking | Biking | Camping | Fishing | Boat Launch + Marina | Picnic Area | Showers + Restroom
COST: FREE! No swimming fees or parking fees
zioN, IL
oak street beach
1000 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: This handicap accessible beach has WiFi and a tropical vibe as the Chicago Park District plants palm trees at this beach every year.
Accessible | WiFi | Lake Michigan
COST: FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.
chicago, IL
12th street beach
1200 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago, IL
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: This beach on Northerly Island Park has narrower sandy beach, but plenty of grass beyond the sand to sprawl out on Lake Michigan's shores. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are on the same beach.
Accessible | Restrooms | Lake Michigan
COST: FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.
chicago, IL
margaret T. Burroughs Beach
3100 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Often referred to 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach offers visitors incredible views of the Chicago skyline from the south.
Burroughs Beach sits next to 31st Street Harbor, a new facility that offers 1,000 floating slips for yachts. Adjacent to the harbor, patrons can find an ADA-accessible playground, along with a “green roof” picnic area above an indoor parking garage.
Accessible | WiFi | Concessions | Restrooms | Fishing Docks | Lake Michigan
COST: FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.
chicago, IL
hi tide beach & campground
HOURS: Call for reservations DAILY from 10:00am - 6:00pm DAILY
DISTANCE: 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: For parents that like to relax, you'll enjoy our lounge chairs overlooking the lake or laying out on the beach. Young kids will enjoy the moonwalk, slide and making sandcastles on the beach. Whatever type of beach activity you're looking for, you'll find it at Hi-Tide.
Floating Iceberg Climbing Wall | Water Trampolines | Cabins + Campgrounds | Log Roll | Balance Balls
COST: Monday - Thursday, $9/person | Friday - Sunday and Holidays, $11/person
leland, IL
Glencoe Beach
10214 W. Algonquin Road, Huntley, IL
HOURS: Monday - Friday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm | Saturday - Sunday: Reserved for SEASON PASS HOLDERS ONLY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Historic Glencoe offers this beautiful area of Lake Michigan beachfront nestled in beautiful homes. Lots of stairs to access the beach, beware, but there is also a ramp to get down.
Beach House | Locker Rooms | Restrooms | Spray Ground | Playground on Beach | Sun Shelters | Beach Rentals | Sand Volleyball | Lifeguards on Duty | Scenic Pier
COST: $20/per person 2 and older, plus processing fee (Season Passes are $70 per person 2 and older)
glencoe, IL
three oaks recreation area
5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL
HOURS: 10:00am - 7:30p DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: The City of Crystal Lake reclaimed the long-abandoned Vulcan Lakes quarry and turned it into an amazing recreation experience. Enjoy pristine waters, natural habitat, and incredible fishing. Personal watercraft is prohibited here.
Sandy Swim Beach | Beach Rentals | Fishing | Spray Ground | Lakeside Restaurant | Recreational SCUBA Diving + Certification
COST: $5 for parking | Guests 16+, $10 | Seniors 62+, $6 | Youth 4 - 15 years old, $6 | Kids 3 and under, FREE
crystal Lake, IL
Waukegan Beach
201 Sea Horse Drive, Waukegan, IL
HOURS: 6:00a - 9:00p DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: 400-acre lakefront, with a mile-long beach also has the Stiner Pavilion, home to the Waukegan Band Foundation on Tuesday nights and a variety of other concerts and festivals throughout the summer months.
Sandy Beach | Fishing | Weekend Mobile Food Vendors | Dockside Dining | Sand Volleyball
*Always confirm availability before traveling to the farm.
waukegan, IL
paulus park
200 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL
HOURS: Paulus Park Beach is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 2023 and close Labor Day weekend, September 4, 2023 with Breezewald Beach to open May 30, 2023 and close August 6, 2023.
DISTANCE: 1 hour from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: A popular visitors destination, as well as a favorite gathering spot for local residents featuring a picnic area, playgrounds, beach, athletic field, concert stage and annual events.
Sandy Beach | Spray Ground | Bathrooms | Picnic Area | Concert Stage
COST: 3 and under, FREE | Ages 4 - 17, $8 | Ages 18+, $11 | Twilight Rate from 5:30p and later, $6
lake zurich, IL
Phil's Beach at Bangs lake
112 Park Street , Wauconda, IL
HOURS: 11:00a - 7:00p DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Bangs Lake is a natural glacial lake located in northeastern Lake County and is considered a popular destination for family recreation in the Chicagoland area.
Summer Boat Rides | Sandy Beach | Fishing | Concessions | Splash Pad | Showers + Restrooms | Board Walk | Inflatable Water Attractions
COST: $10 per person, Seniors (62+) $5, 3 and under are FREE
wauconda, IL
forest Park beach
801 N Lake Rd, Lake Forest, IL
HOURS: 6:00a - 11:00p DAILY (Lifeguards on duty 9:30a - 7:00p DAILY)
DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Visitors to our 29 acre park can enjoy the large beach and grass areas. Open year round, park amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.
Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan waters | Boat Launch
COST: $25/person ***No onsite parking***
Lake forest, IL
Olson Beach at rock cut state Park
7318 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Enjoy the sun and fun at Rock Cut’s own Olson Beach. Volley ball nets are waiting for you. Just ask for the ball from the concession station. Please be aware that food is prohibited on the beach. We are working hard to have clean environment and the food attracts animals to the beach. We have provided picnic table just outside the beach area for you to take advantage of. We also do not allow smoking on the beach. We do not have lifeguards.
Sandy Beach | Sand Volleyball | Water Sport Rentals | Concessions | Restrooms | Camping | Hiking Trails | Accessible
COST: $5 for anyone over 48"| $2.50 for any under 48"| Free for all kids three years of age and younger
loves park, IL
tower road beach
899 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, IL
HOURS: 9:00a - 9:00p Monday - Wednesday, June 5 - September 6, 2021, WEATHER PERMITTING
DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Tower Road Beach is available for swimming. No boats, paddleboards, kayaks, Jet Skis, or vessels of any kind are allowed. New elevated stairs and platforms were installed to give users a comfortable and unique route through the treetops with views of the lake.
Lifeguards on duty during beach season | Restrooms + Showers | Vending + Concessions | Sand Volleyball Courts | On Beach Playground
COST: Non-Resident Non-Passholders ONLY allowed Monday - Wednesday, $22 per person
winnetka, IL
New Buffalo beach
200 Marquette Dr, New Buffalo, MI
DISTANCE: 2 hours from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: New Buffalo’s City's nearly 800ft of sandy beach and Lakefront Parks are located on the North end of Whittaker Street, just across the Galien River Bridge. Animals are NOT allowed on the beach.
Sandy Beaches | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Boat Launch
COST: Parking ranges from $7.50 - $20 depending on duration of visit
New Buffalo, MI
silver beach
101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI
HOURS: Dawn - Dusk DAILY
DISTANCE: 2 hours 30 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Silver Beach County Park is located in St. Joseph, Michigan at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. Silver Beach County Park features a clean, wide beach on Lake Michigan and public access to the South Pier. Of the Park’s 2,450 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, approx. 1,600 feet are dedicated for a public swimming area in the summer months
Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible Beach | Concessions | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Lifeguards | Outdoor Showers | Restrooms | Pavilions | Picnic Tables | Sand Volleyball Courts
COST: FREE admission, but parking rates vary (free street parking to $15 for Silver Beach Parking Lot)
St. Joseph, MI
north beach
45 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven, MI
DISTANCE: 2 hours 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: The North and South Beaches are the largest and most frequently used. Parking fees collected through the "park and pay program" are used to operate the beach cleaner, providing the public with the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Southwest Michigan.
Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Concessions | Playground | Parking Lot | Sand Volleyball Court
COST: FREE Admission, $10 daily parking fee per trip
South Haven, MI
weko beach park
5301 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI
DISTANCE: 2 hours 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Weko Beach Park & Campground has 900 feet of Lake Michigan beach, 43 developed sites, 22 primitive sites, six log camping cabins, bathhouse, restrooms, dump station, swimming, picnic area & playground
Lake Michigan Shorelines | Sandy beaches | Kayak + SUP Rentals | oat Launch | Concessions | Restrooms | Beach House available for private celebrations | Campground
COST: FREE Admission, but $15 daily parking fee
bridgman, MI
warren dunes state park
12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI
DISTANCE: 2 hours 15 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in southwestern Michigan. The rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views and excellent for hang gliding. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round.
Accessible | Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Pet-Friendly | Campgrounds | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Concessions | Restrooms | Hiking | Shelters | Picnic Area
COST: FREE Admission, but $10 daily parking fee
sawyer, MI
Rivera Beach
812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI
HOURS: 9:00a - 6:00p DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: The beach is always open. Daily admission to the beach is enforced in the summertime.
The beach is open to the public every day of the week. Admission is charged during business hours when Lifeguards are on duty.
Sandy Beach | Across the street from several restaurants | In historic Downtown Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line based here
COST: Children 6 and under, FREE | Guests ages 7 and older, $10 | Street Parking, $2/hour for 5 hours MAX
lake Geneva, WI
bradford Beach
2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI
HOURS: 6:00a - 9:00p DAILY
DISTANCE: 2 hours from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: This popular downtown beach has been voted as one of the top ten urban beaches in the nation by USA Today readers.
Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible (beach wheelchairs available) | Restrooms | Parking | Hiking | Sand Volleyball | Food + Drinks from 'The Dock' | MooSa's Custard
COST: FREE!
milwaukee, WI
simmons island beach
5001 4th Avenue, Kenosha, WI
HOURS: Sunset - Sunrise, DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Simmons Island Beach has become more accessible to people with disabilities, with the addition of portable mobility mats on the sand.
Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible | Hiking + Biking | Playground | Picnic Pavilion |
COST: FREE!
kenosha, WI
marquette Beach
598 N. Grand Blvd., Gary, IN
HOURS: Dawn - Dusk DAILY, Lifeguards on duty from 10:00a - 6:00p
DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: This 241-acre park offers 1.4 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, inland ponds, tall dunes, and wetlands as well as a lagoon, indigenous oak savanna, and two historic Prairie School structures—the stately Recreation Pavilion built in 1924 and the Gary Bathing Beach Pavilion “Aquatorium” built-in 1922
Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline |
COST: $5 Parking Fee for Non-residents
gary, IN
washington park beach
6 on the Lake. Michigan City, IN
HOURS: 5:00a - Midnight, DAILY
DISTANCE: 2 hours from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: This 140-acre park has 2 miles of pristine beach, the only working public operating lighthouse in Indiana
Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Amphitheater | Accessible | Concessions | Hiking + Biking Trails | Restrooms | Boating | Fishing Playground | Picnic Shelters | Boat Launch | Washington Park Zoo | Splash Park
COST: FREE Admission, but $15 per car parking fee
michigan city, IN
indiana dunes state park
1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN
HOURS: 9:00am - 4:00pm DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan.
Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Nature Center (open Wednesdays - Sundays, 10a - 4p) | Picnic SHelter | Hiking + Biking Trails | Fishing | Dune Climbing | Campground
COST: FREE Admission, but $9 per car parking fee for non-residents
chesterton, IN
kemil beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
One mile north of U.S. Highway 12 on East State Park Road (300E), Beverly Shores, IN 46301
HOURS: 6:00a - 11:00p, DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Hike and bird watch along the Dunes Ridge Trail. Smelt fishing in the spring (no permit required). Pets permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Restrooms | Parking Lot
COST: Parking is $25
beverly shores, IN
lakeview beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
Lake View Beach, Beverly Shores, IN 46360
HOURS: 6:00a - 11:00p, DAILY
DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities
FEATURES: Walk past five historic homes from the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair, which are located 1/3 mile to the west along Lake Front Drive.
Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Picnic Shelters | Restrooms | Parking Lot
COST: Park is $25 per car
beverly shores, IN
