Lake Forest Beach Scene?? (Evanston, Libertyville: shop, parking, commuter)

[mstengle]

OK- I am thinking a little early on this one- longing for the summer-but now that relocated to Vernon Hills, am wondering how is the beach at Lake Forest? Is it worth the out of resident fee? Is there a better beach area close to Vernon Hills? The nicer the better- and am willing to pay for it!!! Meaning clean, beverages/food avail, chairs, etc. Or am I dreaming of Florida???!!!

[chet everett]

The water temps in Lake Michigan are never as pleasant Florida. Even in the best of years we are lucky more than a few dozen days in 70's. Sailing is a lot more practical, there are classes for kids, but because in Lake Forest they are offered by the municipality's Dept. of Parks & Recreation instead of a Park District they have few non-resident slots. That same attitude extends to beach parking, but there are alternatives. LF has a fairly large (by North Shore standards) shopper/commuter lot that is a walkable distance from the beach...

Glencoe has a really nice set-up, with a modern egalitarian concession area, showers, playground, though parking is similarly restrictive.

Not sure that any town really rents chairs...

[cubssoxfan]

I know this is a drive from Vernon Hills, but we like the Northwestern Univ. beach. Run by Evanston Park District and you do have to pay to get in. But parking is easy and free(I think we go on weekends) because of the NU parking lot right across the street.
Now this is nowhere as nice as Lake Michigan, but Liberty Grove in Libertyville is part of Lake County Forest Preserve District. Lake Co. residence rates are provided. Small lake but great for younger kids to splash around and have fun in and the concessions & amenities are nice.