Adeline Jay Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

LOVE. LOVE.LOVE!!!!! If you want a great experience on lake Michigan in Illinois on an actual Beach or if you like to hike, this is a great place. Take the time, make the special trip and go. Enjoy the lovely oak Forest and the lake and the trails and the deer. Check their website for reservations. There's also a hotel you can get a room

If you are looking for a quick day trip and live in northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, Illinois Beach State Park makes for a relaxing day of hiking, sun, swimming, picnicking or wind/kite surfing! There are 2 entrances to the park: North and South. We visited the south end which is located off Wadsworth Road. There is no fee to visit the Park or Beach. There are several areas to park depending upon where you would like to be located. I recommend bringing a tent or umbrella, beach blanket and chairs. There is a Camp Store which has a snack bar but, why not BYO? Illinois Beach Resort is located inside the park and offers Dining at Nolan's. Check the website for dining hours, the restaurant is not always open. You can spend 1+ hours at the Park. Wear comfy shoes for the hiking paths and bring suntan lotion for the Beach. The only downside: the brick enclosed "port o potties", super stinky. Also, NO pets. The Beach was super clean (no litter or cigarette butts), Park Rangers were continuously patrolling and plenty of room on the Beach for everyone!

Illinois Beach State Park is a gem! The natural beauty of the lakefront and the diverse wildlife make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach area is clean and ideal for a relaxing day out. The park’s amenities, including picnic areas and restrooms, are conveniently located and well-kept. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying a peaceful day in nature, this park is a must-visit. Highly recommend for a refreshing and enjoyable outdoor experience!

This park has a lot of potential. They have been making improvements in the water to improve the beach. It's a very long beach, so there is a lot of room for everyone. They have a large parking lot, so again tons of room. It's easily accessible via bicycle.

Lovely beach area with trails and a campground. Great spot if you want to chill by the water or walk around in the woods. The whole area was spacious and clean, and the campground has a store and public restrooms.