Summers Coming, Illinois Beaches? (Warren: park, place, drive)

[Steve-o]

Evanston has some "quieter" beaches. I rather liked the one (I forget its name) near the lighthouse, but we had to pay to get on it. Illinois state beach is pretty decent. I like walkin up on the sand dunes on the trails... there are some cacti growing up there if you look for em.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by GT28107

IL beach... kind of an oxymoron.

Theyre faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar better than anything CO can offer.

Shut it.

[nanannie]

Drive to Indiana Dunes or Warren Dunes (Mich)
We make day trips , its worth the drive(we live far nw burbs and it takes us approx 2 hours-we get there a.m,leave after sunset). They far exceed anything in Illinois and we have tried them all.
I think the beaches/setting are fantastic.
Google it for pictures.

[ImaloneJill]

We love the Dunes, and living near I-80, it is a 45 min. drive or less on a good day. The trails are awesome, too. For those who camp, both the Nat. and the State campgrounds are lovely. Take your bikes.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Uh...rule of thumb. Don't go in Lake Michigan water. It's always cold anyway. Plus, it is massively polluted. They are always closing beaches in Illinois due to health threats. Just go to the Indiana Dunes with your favorite girl and soak up the sun.

Massively polluted?? NAH. Much, much cleaner than the early 70's. Typically the beaches shut down when they open the locks near Wilmette after a heavy rain. Occasionally it's caused by feces from water fowl-although this can be more of an issue with some of the smaller inland lakes. Current and wind direction also come into play. And Indiana Dunes is on.................Lake Michigan. So are you saying go to the dunes but stay out of the water? Cold is relative- no argument there. Although in July and August when the water is 68-72 degrees and it is 90+ and humid, I find it refreshing.

[via chicago]

The best beach is called Michigan.

[ihynes]

My family goes to Foster Beach in Chicago, love it!

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by MovingOutOfNJ

Hey guys - what are the best beaches to go to in the summer?

I'd love to hear everyone's opinion.

North Ave is the main beach, however if you are gay, then Hollywood Beach up in Rogers Park seems to be the main beach for that crowd. Do note however that with Hollywood Beach, there is NOWHERE to park, so don't drive there.

[Chicago60614]

There are tons of great beaches in the Chicago area. I would second the motion to try Indiana Dunes or Michigan's beaches.

If you're coming into the city though, there are many of them to choose from. North is the main one, but very crowded.

As for the person saying to avoid them because the water is always too cold, and they've always closed because of pollution. No. July through September actually sees water temps that are perfectly fine for swimming, and regardless of what people think because of the press it gets when it happens - the beaches are actually rarely closed. Normally only after a very severe rainstorm.

[mas23]

im not really a beach person but If you are looking to mingle with people then chicago beaches would be the best .
If youre looking for peace and quiet, im guessing the Northern bubrs or, if you want to drive, id suggest the beaches on the michigan side.

mas23