Discover the Best Kept Secret on Lake Michigan
Come find the beaches you did not know were here.
Just minutes from home, tucked along Illinois' last natural stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, sit some of the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest. Wide open sand. Clear freshwater waves. Quiet dunes and rare wetlands that stretch as far as you can see. No crowds, no high-rises, no traffic. Just the lake, the shore, and miles of room to breathe.
This is the hidden gem of our region, and it is right in our backyard.
Spend a morning with your feet in the sand and your coffee in hand as the sun climbs over the water. Bring the kids and let them run the freshly restored shoreline. Cast a line, paddle out, or simply stretch out a towel and let the day slow down. Walk the trails, watch for piping plovers and shorebirds, and breathe in the kind of wild, natural lakefront you cannot find anywhere else in Illinois.
These world class beaches were nearly lost to erosion. Today they are back, wider and more beautiful than ever, ready to be explored all over again.
So come see what so many people drive past without ever knowing. Come walk the shoreline. Come find your new favorite spot on the lake.
The beaches are waiting. The secret is out. We will see you on the sand.
The Beaches
Winthrop Harbor Beach
The village's main public beach sits just north of North Point Marina, offering a wide sandy stretch along Lake Michigan with calm, clear water ideal for swimming. The beach is a favorite for families, sunbathers, and anyone looking to cool off on a hot Midwest afternoon.
- ✓ Picnic areas nearby
- ✓ Free public access
- ✓ Accessible parking
Illinois Beach State Park — North Beach
Stretching for miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the North Unit beach is one of the most pristine in the Chicago region. Backed by dunes and native beach grass, it feels wild and uncrowded even on summer weekends. The beach connects directly to the park's trail system, making it easy to combine a swim with a walk through the dunes.
- ✓ Miles of undeveloped shoreline
- ✓ Dune and beach grass habitat
- ✓ Trail access from the beach
- ✓ Nature center nearby
- ✓ State park vehicle fee applies
Illinois Beach State Park — South Beach
The South Unit beach runs alongside the park's lodge and resort area, making it the most accessible stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline in the area. A broad sandy beach, calm swimming conditions, and proximity to the lodge restaurant and amenities make it a popular destination for day-trippers and overnight guests alike.
- ✓ Adjacent to the park lodge & resort
- ✓ Calmer swimming conditions
- ✓ Concessions available (seasonal)
- ✓ Volleyball courts
- ✓ State park vehicle fee applies
More Than Just Swimming
Beach Volleyball
Sand volleyball courts at Illinois Beach State Park's South Unit beach are a summer staple. Games run from late morning through the evening on weekends, drawing both competitive club players and casual groups looking for a fun afternoon. The courts are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis — bring your own net or join a pickup game already in progress.
Beachcombing & Walking
The North Unit of Illinois Beach State Park protects miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline — one of the last stretches of natural beach left in Illinois. Walk south from the Dead River outlet toward the campground or north toward the state line and you'll find smooth stones, Petoskey fossils, driftwood, and the occasional piece of beach glass. The wide, flat sand is easy walking at any pace, and the lack of development makes it feel genuinely remote even though the marina is minutes away.
Sunrise & Sunset
Because the beach faces east over open water, Lake Michigan sunrises here are spectacular — the sky goes pink and gold over the horizon with nothing between you and the light. Evenings at the marina offer a different kind of show: the setting sun catches the masts and the water turns copper and amber as the boats come in. Both are worth setting an alarm for.
Shorebird Watching
The beach and dune edge along the North Unit are a reliable stop for migrating shorebirds in spring and fall. Sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs work the wet sand at the water's edge, while terns and gulls patrol offshore. The Dead River outlet is a particularly productive spot — the mix of fresh and lake water draws a wide variety of species. Bring binoculars and a field guide; the Illinois Beach State Park checklist runs to over 300 species recorded on the property.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The protected waters just inside the marina breakwall are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can work their way along the open shoreline toward the state park or north toward the Wisconsin border. Launch from the beach south of the marina or from the state park's designated water access points. On calm summer mornings, the lake surface is glassy and the paddling is effortless — it's one of the best ways to see the coastline from the water.
Seashell Collecting
Lake Michigan doesn't have saltwater shells, but its beaches offer their own treasures. Walk the waterline after a storm and you'll find smooth zebra mussel shells, freshwater clam shells in cream and purple, polished stones, and the occasional Petoskey stone — Michigan's state stone, a fossilized coral that reveals its honeycomb pattern when wet. The North Unit shoreline, with its undisturbed natural beach, is the best spot to look. Early morning after a strong northeast wind is prime collecting time, when the waves have pushed fresh material onto the sand.
Photography
The combination of dune grass, wave-sculpted sand, dramatic Lake Michigan skies, and the marina's forest of masts makes Winthrop Harbor one of the most photogenic stretches of the Illinois shoreline. Golden hour — the hour after sunrise and before sunset — is the best time to shoot, when the low light rakes across the dunes and the water picks up color. The observation deck at Spring Bluff Forest Preserve, just a short drive north, adds an elevated perspective over the coastal landscape.
Tips for Your Beach Day
Lake Michigan stays cool — even in July and August, water temps typically run 65–72°F. Refreshing on a hot day, but bring a towel.
Lake Michigan can produce rip currents, especially after storms. Always swim near lifeguards when possible and heed any posted warnings.
Late June through August is peak season. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience; weekends fill up fast, especially at the state park.
The Village Beach and Illinois Beach State Park both have free public parking nearby. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot.
Sunscreen, water shoes (the shoreline can have small stones), plenty of water, and a windbreaker — the lake breeze can be strong even on warm days.
Winthrop Harbor faces west across the marina, but the state park beaches offer unobstructed views north and south — prime spots for watching the sun drop toward the horizon.
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Lake Michigan can be dangerous — know the risks before you swim. Check conditions, understand currents, and never swim alone.
Plan Your Visit
Winthrop Harbor is about an hour north of Chicago — easy to reach for a day trip or a long weekend. Stay at the Illinois Beach Resort inside the state park, or base yourself at the marina and explore everything the harbor has to offer.