Life is a Social Distancing Beach in Lake County, Illinois
By: Jonathan Jones 06/25/2020
Summer is officially in session, and since Illinois has been a leader in the country in flattening the curve of the public health crisis, Restore Illinois Phase 4 begins Friday, June 26.
The land of lakes is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, which means the beaches are in abundance. Searching for an adventure in one of the Great Lakes? Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is your destination? Taking your little guppies for a more youngster-friendly environment? Lake Zurich's Paulus Park Beach has lifeguards and a water playground.
While many of the beaches are opening in Phase 4 Restore Illinois, some of them will remain closed throughout the summer due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Take a dip and cool yourself off this summer along one of Lake County's relaxing shores. So kick back and relax, and remember, life's a social distancing beach!
Park Office-Lakefront, Zion. - Free admission
- 6.5 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan
- Opening Friday, June 26
- North Point Marina is located five miles north of the Zion beach.
- Fishing is allowed on the beach
- Groups of 25 are required to register in advance
- Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash
- No lifeguards are on duty
- Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
1016 Diamond Lake Rd., Mundelein. - While we endure the public health crisis, the Mundelein beach will implement sanitation periods from 1:30-2 p.m. and 4:30-5 p.m. where all guests must leave the grounds. There is a charge for reentry.
- Beach hours: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 2-4:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Post Season Hours: 4-7 p.m.
- Diamond Lake Beach opens July 1-August 9 (dependent on state guidelines), and post-season runs August 10-September 7.
- Daily Passes: $5-$7, Reentry after sanitation $3-$5.
- Stand-up paddleboard rental: $5, Kayak rental: $3-$4, Paddleboat rental: $4-$5.
- As of July 30, Illinois Beach is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park - Open for restricted use. Hours 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Lifeguards work from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Swim Season: June 20-August 16; Post Season: August 17-September 7
- Lap Swimming 7 a.m.-10 a.m. only in the swimming cove.
- Family members from the same household may gather in groups of 10 people or less. Proper social distancing should be at least six feet distance and if the length cannot be achieved, face masks are strongly encouraged (including on the path, stairs and boardwalk).
- Parking: on-resident access to parking at the upper lot is allowed subject to the hourly rate or a seasonal lakefront pass. During the regular season, parking is restricted to residents and lakefront parking sticker holders only before noon.
- Park Ambassadors are on duty to monitor beach capacity which is 250.
201 Sea Horse Dr. Waukegan - The beach is open year-round; 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Free Entry.
- $10 parking on the weekends and holidays for vehicles without a Waukegan city sticker
- The beach features one mile of sand that is groomed daily along with some of the only natural dunes in the area.
- Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and sand volleyball.
- No lifeguards are on duty at this facility.
- The marina offers 1,000 slips for the recreational fisher, competitive boat racer, beginning kiteboarder and everyone in between.
- Waukegan band performs in their summer concert series every Tuesday over the summer at the Stiner Pavilion.
42273 N. Woodbine Ave., Antioch - Lone beach on the Chain O'Lakes located on Channel Lake
- Must order from the restaurant to gain beach access.
- Restaurant & concessions.
- Turtle Beach is equipped with a marine service, Boat launch and repair.
- Fishing is available.
- The largest picnic grove combined with a beach area on the Chain O’ Lakes.
- Beach and picnic area are only available to marina members without Thirsty Turtle Brew & View access.
701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor - A few miles north of Illinois Beach State Park.
- A quiet and serene beach area resting on Lake Michigan.
- Public washrooms.
- Beach fishing.
- Free admission beach.
- Home to a large marina with over 1,500 boat slips.
- Bike, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals.
200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich - Expected to open July 6.
- Beach is only open to Lake County Residents
- No non-resident beach passes in 2020.
- Admission: $3-$9 Daily.
- Guest passes for beach pass holders run $25-$80.
- Children ages three and under receive free admission.
- Wibit inflatables will not be utilized as they are not compatible with social distancing requirements.
Other Social Distancing Beaches in Lake County
- Openlands Lake Shore Preserve in Highland Park
- Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach
- Forest Park in Lake Forest
Opening TBA
- Spring Lake Beach in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Fish Lake Beach in Volo INFO»
- Bangs Lake in Wauconda INFO»
Closed for the Summer
- Independence Grove Swim Area in Libertyville INFO»
- Lake Minear in Libertyville INFO»
For other outdoor activities in Lake County, continue here. To see all things going on in the land of lakes, click here.
