When the temperature climbs, it’s time to head for your favorite swimming hole. Illinois has lots of great spots to splash and play in the water, but there’s one public swimming hole and beach that people have cherished for decades, and you’ll definitely want to pay it a visit this summer.

Centennial Beach has been a favorite local swimming hole for more than 80 years, and it's still a great place to spend a hot, summer day.
Allen21096/Tripadvisor
Address: 500 Jackson Avenue, Naperville, IL, 60540
This pool was once the site of two rock quarries.
Tatiana V/Tripadvisor
Limestone was quarried from this spot starting in 1833, and the quarries continued operations until 1913. Many of the buildings in Naperville were built with limestone from the quarries. While steam pumps kept natural springs at bay so the limestone could be removed, eventually the springs leaked through, and the quarries were closed.
The area sat vacant for many years, until 1931 when 45 acres was purchased to celebrate Naperville's centennial.
Centennial Beach
The area was named Centennial Beach, and in 1932 it was developed as a public swimming facility. People traveled from all over the state to visit.
Throughout the years, the pool has undergone several renovations.
tanas nikolas/Google
Today, the pool holds 6.2 million gallons of water, and has depths from zero to 15 feet.
Guests of all ages can splash and play here, and the beach even offers swimming lessons, aquatic fitness, adult float, and special needs nights.
Centennial Beach/Google
Open swim hours vary throughout the season, so check the Centennial Beach website for details.
With its six acres of shady trees and large, grassy areas, Centennial Beach is the perfect place to spend the afternoon.
Julie Comstock-Fisher/Google
Bring your beach blanket, chair, and a picnic lunch along, or grab a meal at the Centennial Grill.
Daily admission to Centennial Beach ranges from $4 to $14, and if you plan to visit often, you'll save money with a season pass.
Glen Tienkop/Google
Residents of Naperville pay daily admission of $7 for children and $9 for adults; non-residents pay $12 for children and $14 for adults. All guests pay just $4 for admission after 5 p.m.

Visit the Centennial Beach website for more information, and make sure to follow the Naperville Park District’s Facebook page to see all the great parks and what’s happening at all of them!

We’d love to hear about your experiences at this pool! If you’re looking for another pool to soak in when the weather’s hot, visit this city park that has a pool and tons of other fun things to do. Or, if you’d rather have your own private pool, check out this hotel that has rooms with personal pools!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Illinois