• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. 57th Street Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© francim85/stock.adobe.com

2. 63rd Street Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Ian/stock.adobe.com

3. Calumet Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© magdal3na/stock.adobe.com

4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com

5. Howard Beach Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© matusciac/stock.adobe.com

6. Illinois Beach State Park Resort

Category: Unique Accommodations
© 14ktgold/stock.adobe.com

7. Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach, Illinois

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© BradleyWarren/stock.adobe.com

8. Lake Shelbyville

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© chas53/stock.adobe.com

9. Lane Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Kristen/stock.adobe.com

10. Leone Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Ian/stock.adobe.com

11. Margaret T. Burroughs Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© axle/stock.adobe.com

12. Montrose Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Laura/stock.adobe.com

13. North Avenue Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© helgidinson/stock.adobe.com

14. Oak Street Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© mikesobers/stock.adobe.com

15. Oakwood Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© helivideo/stock.adobe.com

16. Ohio Street Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Thomas Barrat/stock.adobe.com

17. Osterman Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© adisorn123/stock.adobe.com

18. Rainbow Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© hanohiki/stock.adobe.com

19. Rogers Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Evdoha/stock.adobe.com

20. Rosewood Beach, Highland Park, IL

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Martina Simonazzi/stock.adobe.com

21. South Shore Beach, Chicago

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© nito/stock.adobe.com

22. Waukegan Municipal Beach, Waukegan, IL

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Nuli_k/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful beachfront areas in the Midwest, with 26 miles of public Lake Michigan beaches offered throughout the Chicago area.
  • Within the state's interior, a number of manmade reservoirs anchor state park areas, featuring ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and overnight camping.

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