When most people think of Illinois, and the Midwest in general, they normally don't automatically think of lakes and beaches. However, Lake County, Illinois would shatter that thought from anyone's mind.
The Northeastern area of Illinois (that we have been blessed to live in the last few years), has some of the most gorgeous, and swimmable lakes I've ever seen!
"A lake so vibrant in color that it looks like a fine art painting." -Stephanie Payne
Lake County has done a great job taking care of their forest preserves, parks, and lakes.
With summer being upon us, I wanted to share some of our favorite public, lakefront beaches in the area.
All of these beaches have free access and parking! No change or stickers required.
Illinois Beach State Park
Location: 1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL 60099
This beautiful beach is one of the many accessible lakefront areas on Lake Michigan. The water, waves, and endless appearing skyline makes one almost forget it's a lake and not an ocean.
It has all the benefits of an ocean minus the salt water, jellyfish, and sharks.
Illinois Beach State Park has two entrances- a north and south side. We normally enjoy the southern entrance as its closest to where we live and has larger sandy areas. The northern beaches are nice too, but just rockier.
Parking is ample and right there on the beach.
Jones Island Beach
Location: N. Alleghany Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
This beach requires a bit more of a hike from the parking lot to the beachfront area, but it's a very nice family-friendly beach on one of the many lakes here in Lake County, Illinois.
Almost every time we've visited it's just other families with kids, and occasionally camps.
There are also sandy volleyball pits, a well-kept playground, a kayak/canoe launch, BBQ grills, and picnic tables adjacent to the beachfront.
The water temperature is usually warmer than that of Lake Michigan, since it's a smaller body of water.
Lakefront Park- Round Lake Beach
Location: 1019 N. Lake Shore Drive, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
This lakefront beach has many of the same amenities and features as Jones Island, but parking is much closer! They also have actual restrooms during the season, as opposed to port-0-potties.
The only downside I have with this beach access is that parking is sometimes very limited on weekends.
It's usually quieter during the week and in the morning hours on weekends.
Other Lakefront Beaches in the Area:
Lehmann Park- 148 Cedar Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046
Lake Minear Beach- 600 West Oak Spring Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
Diamond Lake Beach- 1016 N Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
Whichever lake you choose to visit, I hope you have a great time!
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Have you visited any of the lakes in the area? Do you have a favorite?
Feel free to leave a comment below to share your experience.
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