Tower beach park Winnetka (Geneva: homes, law, plantation)

[Thefuturehereanow]

Hello what are the rules for walking on beach near Private property on beach ? I read that the high water line was as far as your allowed to walk? I want to walk along beach but there is a sign stating Private property North of beach. I am not sure of Illinois law I know in Florida you can walk along the water what is the law for Illinois?

Does private property go so the way to waterline?

Thank you

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by Thefuturehereanow

Hello what are the rules for walking on beach near Private property on beach ? I read that the high water line was as far as your allowed to walk? I want to walk along beach but there is a sign stating Private property North of beach. I am not sure of Illinois law I know in Florida you can walk along the water what is the law for Illinois?

Does private property go so the way to waterline?

Thank you

In Illinois, properties are allowed to have riparian rights. If you walk along the beach behind private homes, you are likely trespassing. The beaches at Centennial, Elder Lane, Maple Street, Lloyd, and Tower are public. Everywhere else along the lakefront in Winnetka is private. Private property in Illinois can extend to the shore and beyond.

[Big Country!]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

In Illinois, properties are allowed to have riparian rights. If you walk along the beach behind private homes, you are likely trespassing. The beaches at Centennial, Elder Lane, Maple Street, Lloyd, and Tower are public. Everywhere else along the lakefront in Winnetka is private. Private property in Illinois can extend to the shore and beyond.

I've always wondered about this. This is good to know. By contrast, in Hawaii, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, with the exception of certain Federal Government areas. That’s right—there are NO private beaches in Hawaii.

According to the Hawai’i Supreme Court, any land below the highest wave line is considered state property and open to the public. In general, the highest wave line is indicated where the wet sand changes to dry sand, found only during the peak hours of high tides. However, there is no actual way of determining where the line falls or where the public land starts and ends.

In the past, some private landowners camouflaged beach access points in Hawaii to add additional privacy by blocking beach pathways. However, that should not be an issue today, as it is now a public offense and misdemeanor to block public access to beaches.

The only thing that may limit public beach access is the natural vegetation that grows along the shorelines. Naupaka (most commonly found), Beach Morning Glory and Beach Heliotrope are the main three natural plants found growing uncontrollably near the shorelines and blocking public beach access. If not regularly maintained, the natural flora will overtake and limit public access. It is indeed the County Government and private landowners who are required to provide public access and maintain the natural plantation in the area.

[Paige65]

Originally Posted by Thefuturehereanow

Hello what are the rules for walking on beach near Private property on beach ? I read that the high water line was as far as your allowed to walk? I want to walk along beach but there is a sign stating Private property North of beach. I am not sure of Illinois law I know in Florida you can walk along the water what is the law for Illinois?

Does private property go so the way to waterline?

Thank you

If your feet are in the water, you are good to go. If not, you're trespassing. So it's doable for sure.

[edsg25]

best bet for shoreline walking: Lake Geneva

(unfortunately elevation changes may end up killing you)